Montane Summer Spine Legends - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 13 Eps 13

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journeys of Gillian McGale and Catherine Cowie as they recount their experiences in the gruelling Montane Summer Spine Race 2025. From personal milestones to overcoming physical and mental challenges, their stories are a testament to resilience and determination.

The Montane Summer Spine Race is a grueling, non-stop ultra-marathon covering the entire 268-mile (431 km) length of the Pennine Way, widely dubbed "Britain's Most Brutal" endurance race. It starts in Edale, Derbyshire, and finishes in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.

Participants have a time limit of 156 hours (6.5 days) to complete the course, which involves approximately 10,732 meters (35,210 feet) of ascent. Unlike staged races, the Spine is continuous, meaning runners race through day and night, managing their own sleep, nutrition, and safety. Participants are allowed to utilise public amenities like cafes and pubs along the route, but no individual support crews are permitted.

Gillian had decided it would be a great way to celbrate her 50th birthday, which coincided with the race start date of Sunday 15 June. For Catherine it was a return to face again the foe of the Pennine Way.

We discuss the detailed preparation from both, the kit, the recces, the socks, the shoes, the ...everything!

It's an invigorating, inspirational but also a 'what the hell' listen of determination, heroics and sleep deprived journey from Edale to Kirk Yetholm.

Did we mention lasagne?