Last updated: February 17, 2026

Cut-off summary

• Overall time limit: 90 hours
• Key cut-offs (departure):
  • Low Way Farm CP: depart within 18 hours
  • Alston CP: depart within 44 hours
  • Bellingham CP: depart within 70 hours
  • Monitoring Location (Byrness): depart within 76 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 Montane Summer Spine Challenger North & MRT Challenge North 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 Challenger North & MRT Challenge North athletes have 90 hours to complete the course.
3. Athletes must observe any advised cut-off times.
4. All athletes must depart Low Way Farm CP1 within 18 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
5. All athletes must depart Alston CP2 within 44 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
6. All athletes must depart Bellingham CP3 within 70 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
7. Athletes must arrive in CHECKPOINTS at least 30 minutes before cut-offs to allow time for welfare assessments, checkpoint admin, and kit checks. Failure to meet the arrival or cut-off times will result in the athlete being withdrawn from the race.
8. All athletes must depart the Monitoring Location at Byrness within 76 hours, or they will be withdrawn.
9. In some instances, athletes will be advised on pacing to safely meet cut-offs. Failure to meet any set targets may result in early withdrawal from the race.