Last updated: February 17, 2026

Cut-off summary

• Overall time limit: 156 hours
• Key cut-offs (departure unless stated):
  • CP1: depart within 24 hours
  • Monitoring Location (Malham Tarn): depart within 48 hours
  • CP2: depart within 60 hours
  • CP3: depart within 84 hours
  • CP4: depart within 110 hours
  • CP5: depart within 130 hours
  • Monitoring Location (Byrness): depart within 140 hours
• Maximum time at checkpoints: 6 hours (Monitoring Locations: 30 minutes)
• Hut 1 & Hut 2 (Byrness → Kirk Yetholm, Cheviots): maximum 2 hours in each hut unless extended by the medic, or the SST deem it unsafe to continue

Full Race Rules

The following rules govern the Full Montane Summer Spine (Spine Race) 2026. These rules must be followed at all times during the event, both on the course and at each checkpoint. Spine Races are non-stop mountain marathons and must be treated as serious undertakings.

Due to the potential for adverse or extreme weather, you are responsible for your own safety on the trail and at all checkpoints. You must be in good enough physical condition to complete the race in your chosen category within the allotted time, and you must have the skills to navigate effectively and manage emergency situations in mountainous terrain.

In addition to accepting the Race Rules and Terms & Conditions of entry, you must digitally sign/agree to the participant waiver and complete the medical questionnaire prior to the start of the race. By taking part, you accept the Race Rules and Terms & Conditions of entry.

1. You must be aged 21 or above.
2. Spine Race athletes have 156 hours to complete the course.
3. Athletes must observe any advised cut-off times.
4. Spine Race athletes must depart CP1 within 24 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
5. Spine Race athletes must depart the Monitoring Location at Malham Tarn within 48 hours, or they will be withdrawn. Athletes must arrive at least 5 minutes before the cut-off to allow time for welfare assessments.
6. Spine Race athletes must depart CP2 within 60 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
7. Spine Race athletes must depart CP3 within 84 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
8. Spine Race athletes must depart CP4 within 110 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
9. Spine Race athletes must depart CP5 within 130 hours, or they will be withdrawn.