Triumphs and Trials: Montane Winter Spine 2024

Triumphs and Trials: Jack Scott and Claire Bannwarth Make History at the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024

Unprecedented performances, emotional finishes, and a demonstration of unwavering human endurance along the 268-mile Pennine Way.

In a race destined to become a defining chapter in British ultrarunning history, 29-year-old Jack Scott showcased an exceptional performance, shattering Jasmin Paris’ 2019 course record during the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024. Scott’s extraordinary feat, surpassing the previous record by 10 hours and 17 minutes, saw him complete the gruelling 268-mile race in a jaw dropping 72 hours and 55 minutes, with a mere 54 minutes dedicated to sleep.

The Montane Winter Spine Race, often dubbed ‘Britain’s Most Brutal’ covers the Pennine Way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. With only 50% of competitors destined to make the finish line – a true testament to its status as one of the most gruelling endurance tests in racing.

Scott, with steely confidence despite recent injuries, felt fortunate to start the race and was ready to embrace risks. Reflecting on his strategy compared to the previous year where he narrowly missed out on victory to Damian Hall, Jack commented, “I had to win the mind game. I had to be resilient in training, attack specific areas on the course like Cross Fell, and I had to think more like a racer than a finisher.”

As the race unfolded, Scott faced a pivotal moment at the 85-mile mark. He admitted, “The race went off too fast, and I nearly DNF’d at Malham. I wasn’t enjoying the pace; it wasn’t my game plan. I knew I had to slow down and take control. I had confidence I had speed, but it wasn’t sustainable, and I had to draw a line.” 

Seasoned ultrarunner Damian Hall, who, despite also breaking the previous course record and his own from 2023, finished 2nd behind his friend and rival. The turning point in their race was to be on Cross Fell, where Scott gained a lead that Hall could not recover.

Reflecting on the race dynamics, Hall disclosed, “I lost Jack at the top of Cross Fell. I decided I wasn’t going to chase, and that was the last time I saw him.” Scott revealed, “I thought Damian was only 3 miles behind me. I just ran as hard as I could. It was so precious to me to hold the lead and win this race because it’s what I’ve dreamt of for years.” Summing up his achievement, Scott stated, “It was an elite performance I’m very proud of.”

Completing the podium, Konrad Rawlik, husband of previous course record holder Jasmin Paris secured 3rd place, displaying unwavering resilience throughout the race. Rawlik’s calm and considered performance in the face of the wintery conditions earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

On the women’s podium, Claire Bannwarth etched her name in history as one of the select few to successfully defend their title at the Montane Winter Spine Race. Bannwarth’s back-to-back victories, in a faster time than the previous year by over 5 hours, highlighted her exceptional talent and unwavering joy for running in the wild.

Despite improving her time she remarked, “This year was much much tougher. I didn’t plan to go faster; I just wanted to go at my own pace.” Claire has thoroughly enjoyed her Spine race experience relishing in the traditions like the chilli noodles bar provided by race stalwart John Bamber at Greg’s Hut. She laughed, mentioning they were much spicier than she was prepared for!

Hannah Rickman secured 2nd place for the second consecutive year, showcasing her outstanding running skills but also her exemplary sportsmanship. Rickman’s decision to assist a distressed runner during the challenging blizzard conditions on Cross Fell exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie fostered at the Spine Race, and her selfless act to help another runner.

Rickman revealed that at the 230-mile mark she considered withdrawing from the race. “I had a few tears in Byrness, and considered DNF’ing. The last section turned out to be more of a sprint finish than I’d wanted to make up time. It’s been a learning experience for sure. I’ve received so many hugs on the way and everyone has been so kind.“

Lucy Gossage, 14 times Ironman Champion made a successful transition to ultra running completing her first ever Spine race and finishing 3rd. Gossage’s tenacity and focus in overcoming sleeplessness and challenging conditions demonstrated her outstanding athletic calibre. With an emotional finish to her race, she claimed the race gave her everything she wanted from the experience. 

The Montane Winter Spine Race continues to be a testament to the indomitable spirit of ultrarunners, pushing the boundaries of human endurance amongst the most unforgiving and demanding terrain in the UK. The race concludes on Sunday, January 21st, with final cut-off at 8 am. 

Montane Winter Spine 2024 Podium