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Title: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 10:23:48, 01/01/20
Seems rather quiet about these great races!
 Whilst out in hills above malham tarn t'other weekend(mon 16th) the wife and I saw a male who was all kitted out and moving very well across the fields before crossing the road and heading up(what must be a diversion route to avoid tennant gill farm) fountains fell, there was plenty of footprints to follow in the snow, surely a spine recce?! cant wait to get out to where ever and watch/cheer on all heroes! Any stories on who's entering?  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:47:15, 01/01/20
There are a lot of recces going on, and have been over the last few months, so you might very well have seen a potential spinner.  As many of you here will know I was hoping to be on the Challenger this year, but after my accident in the Lakes pulled out as I felt I wouldn't have had enough time to get fully Spine fit, so I will be dot watching again.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:35:31, 01/01/20
The list of entrants for the Spine that starts on Sunday 12th January is here:-
https://thespinerace.com/rosters
I haven't spotted the tracking system yet. 
The Challenger one starts the day before i.e. Saturday 11th January.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 12:58:07, 01/01/20
The list of entrants for the Spine that starts on Sunday 12th January is here:-
https://thespinerace.com/rosters (https://thespinerace.com/rosters)
I haven't spotted the tracking system yet. 
The Challenger one starts the day before i.e. Saturday 11th January.
What?

Bookmarked that page.

As if I haven't got enough to do already. Sitting dot watching for all those hours!

Pity you were not able to make it as a contestant Sussamb, are you doing any stewarding?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 12:59:11, 01/01/20
Nope, would have liked to but taking 2 weeks away in March to do the C2C so unable to fit in the Spine as well  :(, especially as we just moved house before Christmas  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 13:28:20, 01/01/20
Ah well, dot watching for you too.
House move coming up for us this year hopefully. First my own personal marathon, finishing off all the jobs I should have done ages ago so house can be finished just as we want it to be, before we put it on market. 🤔 Will miss my Allotment  and our great neighbours more than the house.

Then hopefully a move back up home.

But a wee bit of time watching true heroes will be satisfying enough. May try and get out to actually see them live.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 18:26:59, 01/01/20
Once the race is about to start there will be more interest in it. Do we know if anyone from the forum is doing it this year? We need someone to follow! It doesn’t look like Jasmin Paris is defending her title.
I’ve just realised that now I’m retired, work won’t get in the way of dot-watching!  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: One F on 20:47:54, 01/01/20
A quick glance through the list of entrants:-


 Spine Race - 3 past winners (I think) at least; Tom Hollins; Eoin Keith and Eugenie Roselli Sole.


MRT Challenger event has 2 of the local MRT (Cave Rescue Organisation) entering as well as David Dixon, who some may recall from years past as he posted on here as 'Dixie' and is a previous entrant, and completer, of the full Spine race.


Spine Challenger has another local interest, so I'll be watching the dot of Estelle Mortimer ...............
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 11:07:46, 02/01/20
We need someone to follow! It doesn’t look like Jasmin Paris is defending her title.

  Sabrina Verjee is the one to watch.She holds the current women's record for the Pennine Way (3 days 10 hours) set last year when she won the Spine summer race.She finished in second place in the Dragon's Back race and also holds the women's winter record for the Bob Graham Round so she ticks all the right boxes.


 Eoin should be favourite for the men's race and I doubt if Eugeni will even see the finish especially if he tries staying with Sabrina.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:05:06, 03/01/20
I look forward to seeing how wouter houtzing(hope thats the correct spelling) gets on! he has done the challenger a few times and was the record holder a few years ago. the long range weather forecast looks like quite mild weather, no doubt be wet and muddy and soft but times should be good, doubt the record gets bettered tho! Cant wait tho, will be in edale on sat morn for the challenger start and follow that as far as possible before been back in edale for the spine start and should get in 3 spots!! O0 O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:55:08, 06/01/20
 Link for dot watching.


 http://live.thespinerace.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Z0sD-iR7n5Dd9tPxOqjhHWYA9gc6k8ajEMBC_xgdwplUtZVp-F1ygCS8
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 16:57:51, 06/01/20
It pleases my daughter that the Spine site now lists the overall record and then the men's record.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 19:12:38, 06/01/20
It pleases my daughter that the Spine site now lists the overall record and then the men's record.


 O0 O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 19:14:10, 06/01/20
Link for dot watching.


 http://live.thespinerace.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Z0sD-iR7n5Dd9tPxOqjhHWYA9gc6k8ajEMBC_xgdwplUtZVp-F1ygCS8 (http://live.thespinerace.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Z0sD-iR7n5Dd9tPxOqjhHWYA9gc6k8ajEMBC_xgdwplUtZVp-F1ygCS8)


Thanks for putting it up!! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:55:20, 06/01/20
It pleases my daughter that the Spine site now lists the overall record and then the men's record.
Sickening,isn't it. ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:30:25, 07/01/20
For those interested Jasmine, winner of last years spine, has just published her blog of the race


https://jasminfellrunner.blogspot.com/2020/01/spine-race.html?fbclid=IwAR0b9RIciPO9K9z6fTifC3pWNI65H5tVK5ItqkpxvItubABKwW0tESp8L7Q&m=1
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:39:08, 07/01/20
Thanks for posting the link, it's a good read.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:39:49, 07/01/20
A really good read to understand what is involved especially the sleep deprivation.  I have to take time off to sleep whilst they are still pushing themselves out on the hills.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:33:36, 07/01/20
 One to watch and a possible winner.

" The fastest marathon dressed as a videogame character is 2 hr 57 min 00 sec and was achieved by John Kelly (USA) at the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on 18 April 2016."


 He also won the 2017 100 mile Barkley marathon which is even tougher than the Spine.

 
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 20:54:17, 07/01/20
Some of those comments from JP - you realise that people into that sort of distance running are their own breed.


'Since my time was limited I only managed 1.5hrs of running - every day of the week, waking up at 5am'


'My weekend runs were only 10 hours combined'


She's at the top of the trade but you realise there is a life of sustained early starts and weekend commitments to be that damn good.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 13:29:38, 08/01/20
A good read to get us in the mood for this year’s race. I had forgotten that Eugeni got as far as Hut 2. And Greg’s Hut and no noodle bar made me chuckle, I guess they may set up there earlier this year!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 15:19:19, 08/01/20
Massive field this year for all the Spine races. Eugenie will no doubt up front as usual and does stand a good chance of winning. He had a good lead on Eoin before disaster struck. he needs to wear better outer clothing if it gets really cold again especially if wet as well. I usually go to watch the first couple of days but can't this time so I too will be dot watching from the beginning. It will be very interesting for me, as I know several that, like myself, have retired quite early on in recent years and no doubt they will be out to lay the ghost to rest. This will be two years on the trot that Ive not been on the start line, but 2021??
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 16:01:17, 08/01/20
A good read to get us in the mood for this year’s race. I had forgotten that Eugeni got as far as Hut 2. And Greg’s Hut and no noodle bar made me chuckle, I guess they may set up there earlier this year!


He actually got beyond Hut 2, and the SST there (mine) thought he was fit to finish. Some said he withdrew as he didn't want to come second to Jasmin ...  :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 16:25:50, 08/01/20

He actually got beyond Hut 2, and the SST there (mine) thought he was fit to finish. Some said he withdrew as he didn't want to come second to Jasmin ...  :-\
Unfortunately there is always those that say those sort of things. He pressed his tracker emergency button. He got inside his bivvy bag but thought he was at home in bed, hypothermic and disorientated, everone was behind Jasmin.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 17:38:20, 08/01/20
Massive field this year for all the Spine races.
How do they cope at CP1.It must be very difficult for anyone who is trying to get a few hours sleep.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 20:09:39, 08/01/20
For those interested Jasmine, winner of last years spine, has just published her blog of the race

https://jasminfellrunner.blogspot.com/2020/01/spine-race.html?fbclid=IwAR0b9RIciPO9K9z6fTifC3pWNI65H5tVK5ItqkpxvItubABKwW0tESp8L7Q&m=1

Thanks for the link sussamb, a good read it was too  O0 I hadn't realised how sleep deprived she was, although I knew she hadn't had much sleep, hallucinations on the Border Ridge, incredible she could still finish really.

I am disappointed that there is no Pavel or Jasmin this year, I was hoping they would be up front in a battle for the win. I will be dot watching along with everyone else  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:26:57, 08/01/20
Weather looks a bit rough,95mph winds and snow on Penyghent on Monday afternoon and night.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 11:31:42, 10/01/20
Don't forget get a good nights sleep and set your alarm for the start of the Challenger event tomorrow at 08.00.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:00:29, 10/01/20
I always look for people to follow in the race and I've just noticed that in the Challenger there is a man who has the same name as me, though he spells it differently.


Come on number 368!


Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 16:47:44, 10/01/20
How do they cope at CP1.It must be very difficult for anyone who is trying to get a few hours sleep.
Almost impossible as with people being so tired, those that do manage to get some, there's always at least one mega snorer. Then there's comings and goings. it's best to just have a short lie down, a shower, clothing change and food and be on your way.Pavel is at Tan Hill inn at the moment taking part in some filming apparently.I think given the weather forecast there will be lots of retirements during day's 1 & 2. Wind, cold and rain are one thing but all three together takes their toll.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 17:08:18, 10/01/20
Yes, Day 1 was bad last year but looking to be even worse this year  :(
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 17:11:25, 10/01/20
Almost impossible as with people being so tired, those that do manage to get some, there's always at least one mega snorer. Then there's comings and goings. it's best to just have a short lie down, a shower, clothing change and food and be on your way.Pavel is at Tan Hill inn at the moment taking part in some filming apparently.I think given the weather forecast there will be lots of retirements during day's 1 & 2. Wind, cold and rain are one thing but all three together takes their toll.

 Thanks for the reply,Dave.The weather does look bad,especially during the Challenger tomorrow from mid-day onwards,high winds followed by several hours of torrential rain.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 17:17:41, 10/01/20
I always look for people to follow in the race and I've just noticed that in the Challenger there is a man who has the same name as me, though he spells it differently.



Great minds think alike Ridge! So I’m following Sue no. 171 and Toby no. 231 as thats my grandson’s name.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:30:52, 11/01/20
Well they're off … dot watching now for a week  :)

Only know a couple doing the Challenger but quite a few on the full Spine so I'll be glued to the screen  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:22:59, 11/01/20
Yes, that's a week lost to staring at a screen trying to work out who is where from when they last updated.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 14:48:48, 11/01/20
Missing this year is the time individual trackers last updated, or at least I'm not seeing it, previous years this was shown so it makes it slightly more difficult to see what's happening.

Edit: It is there but not shown when you hover over a number, you need to click on it first.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:10:47, 11/01/20
Well they are approaching Hebden Bridge after 9 hours, although perhaps it will take them 10 hours to where I stayed overnight, but it took me 3 days. :-[
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 17:15:42, 11/01/20
I worry that I am getting blasé about the amazing speed they achieve. The person I am following is at the end of day 2 for any normal human being.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:55:58, 11/01/20
426 has made a quick transition at Hebden Bridge and has at least a mile lead and nobody else has yet left.  It looks as though there is heavy rain there at the moment.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 19:02:27, 11/01/20
426 has made a quick transition at Hebden Bridge and has at least a mile lead and nobody else has yet left.  It looks as though there is heavy rain there at the moment.
Curtis,the leader at Hebden,might still be in front as his tracker has stopped working again.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 19:07:20, 11/01/20
He has it switched on now and he is still at Hebden Bridge.  However 419 is now chasing him.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 19:11:17, 11/01/20
He has it switched on now and he is still at Hebden Bridge.
Bit surprised really as he has been going strong all day.
 Weather looks really horrible and I am sure some will retire with hypothermia.Cold,high winds and heavy rain is a very unpleasant combination,probably far worse than a still night with temperatures of minus five.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 20:03:33, 11/01/20
I don't envy them being out tonight, I wouldn't want to set foot outside my own front door it is so vile here.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:16:52, 11/01/20
Just returned to the computer from my nice warm kitchen after having a lovely meal.  Back to "The challenge" before I retire to my nice warm bed later!  I'm not surprised that 4 have had to retire already.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:20:57, 11/01/20
Curtis,the leader at Hebden,might still be in front as his tracker has stopped working again.

Was passed at Hebden and now in third place
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:34:04, 11/01/20
Number gone wrong on the approach to Hebden, not sure how unless they're retiring  :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:40:57, 11/01/20
6 now retired and I presume that 310 and 410 have as well as they are approaching quickly, presumably in a car, towards Hebden Bridge. I can't spot anyone else off course.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:47:47, 11/01/20
Forecast for tonight".Very difficult conditions; severe wind chill higher terrain. Any mobility tortuous at times; ferocious gusts to some lower slopes, particularly eastern Pennines. " This weather report mentioned a wind chill factor of minus nine.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:51:42, 11/01/20
If the same tomorrow night could be another year when they're diverted around Pen y Ghent
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:02:46, 11/01/20
I wonder whats happening at wessenden head? The last two have been stationary there for a few hours and  number 302 and 403, now joined by 407 who turned back from wessenden reservoir! Also two in the mrt race who have deviated from along the flat section after the white house pub, near white holme reservoir.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:08:14, 11/01/20
I wonder whats happening at wessenden head? The last two have been stationary there for a few hours and  number 302 and 403, now joined by 407 who turned back from wessenden reservoir! Also two in the mrt race who have deviated from along the flat section after the white house pub, near white holme reservoir.
I guess that they are retiring and waiting for a lift unless they are taking a rest and trying to keep warm and dry.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:10:06, 11/01/20
I wonder whats happening at wessenden head? The last two have been stationary there for a few hours and  number 302 and 403, now joined by 407 who turned back from wessenden reservoir! Also two in the mrt race who have deviated from along the flat section after the white house pub, near white holme reservoir.
Looks like they are waiting to be collected at Wessenden.

 A large group has gathered near the M62 and a couple of trackers have sleep signs showing.They seem to have been there a long time so they must be either retiring or staying with people who have some kind of injury until medical help arrives.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:12:09, 11/01/20
504 and 527 appear to have taken a wrong turn by White Holme Reservoir.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:12:57, 11/01/20
504 and 507 appear to have taken a wrong turn by White Holme Reservoir.
A very common error in the dark.It seems to happen every year.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:15:27, 11/01/20
number 507 paul dennis seems to be doing something strange too, got within a few 100m's of wessenden head road point then turned around n went back towards black hill and is now currently of course heading into the wilderness.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:19:30, 11/01/20
number 507 paul dennis seems to be doing something strange too, got within a few 100m's of wessenden head road point then turned around n went back towards black hill and is now currently of course heading into the wilderness.
I did think they were trying to get some shelter as that stretch will be very exposed, looks like they might have noticed their error. wonder if they can see the others lights across the reservoir??

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:22:47, 11/01/20
number 507 paul dennis seems to be doing something strange too, got within a few 100m's of wessenden head road point then turned around n went back towards black hill and is now currently of course heading into the wilderness.
Most odd.I did notice him heading back up Black Hill but at that time he was on the path.Could it be confusion caused by hypothermia?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:25:27, 11/01/20
Pleased to see that 504 and 527 retracing their steps.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:33:18, 11/01/20
Most odd.I did notice him heading back up Black Hill but at that time he was on the path.Could it be confusion caused by hypothermia?
You would think along that section towards wessenden head he would see lights(if there is anyone there and they have them on), at first i thought he must have left something behind but then he headed downhill into the rough but was making good progress, wondered if he was headed towards holme as there is a pub and phone there! If hes clever enough to read a map and see that and not delirious then surely he would know the roads close by!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:37:03, 11/01/20
504 and 527 now back on track.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:43:31, 11/01/20
Three at Wessenden have retired.Mal Smith was heading down the rough stuff towards 507 but came back up to the road.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:55:58, 11/01/20
Whilst 507 is now making some progress I am not sure where he is heading.  I hope that he can get over Marsden Clough as he seemed to turn round when he got to Dean Clough - perhaps with the rain they are running quite deep and he thought it to be dangerous as he was the last of the challengers.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:01:11, 11/01/20
Whilst 507 is now making some progress I am not sure where he is heading.  I hope that he can get over Marsden Clough as he seemed to turn round when he got to Dean Clough - perhaps with the rain they are running quite deep and he thought it to be dangerous as he was the last of the challengers.
Surely it must be to do with the dean clough crossing, he seemed to take a few mins at that point and then came up with a plan. does seem a long way around, if your going to go to that length to cross round it wouldnt gaining height be a better option? theres a fb to cross marsden clough, clever guy!! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:29:33, 11/01/20
The leader is off route just before ickornshaw near well head!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:31:32, 11/01/20
Well I am amazed at 507 who I thought was in trouble but he has navigated himself round Dean Clough despite some really challenging weather conditions.  He is nearly back at Wessenden Head.  I can now go back to the leaders before going to bed!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:35:09, 11/01/20
Well I am amazed at 507 who I thought was in trouble but he has navigated himself round Dean Clough despite some really challenging weather conditions.  He is nearly back at Wessenden Head.  I can now go back to the leaders before going to bed!
Crazy isnt it, ive been sat staring at the screen just watching him, even got the os map out and as soon as i saw the fb at marsden clough i understood what he was doing!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:35:48, 11/01/20
The leader is off route just before ickornshaw near well head!!
He probably went wrong where I did, I went left instead of straight ahead - not sure why as straight would have been the obvious way!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:37:03, 11/01/20
The runner I was following has called it a day.
I just don't know how the others are dragging themselves on.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:43:32, 11/01/20
19 now retired.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 22:57:06, 11/01/20
19 now retired.
Its 21 now and a few of the others don't seem to be moving.At least the rain will ease off after mid-night so things should be slightly more tolerable.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 23:02:08, 11/01/20
507 has turned his tracker off now so I hope, for his sake as well as mine, that he has retired.  A long way to go and nobody anywhere near him.  A great effort and superb piece of navigation that I would have been very proud of in similar circumstances - not that you would have seen me starting the challenge.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:10:59, 11/01/20
Hope 419 is OK, he's been at Cowling for a while now.


Right, time for bed.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:24:25, 11/01/20
 331 is off route on the descent from Stoodley Pike.He should be able to get back on route as he is on a track that eventually joins the main route.507 on his way to CP1 in a car.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:01:30, 12/01/20
Woke to see 330 retired at Malham, shame  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 08:10:13, 12/01/20
Around forty retirements so far.Hardly surprising though considering the conditions last night.Race leader is on Pen y Ghent so he should be finished by noon.
 Main race has just started with Eugeni leading!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:17:24, 12/01/20
Yes, will be interesting to watch Wouter who's always done well on the Challenger  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Islandplodder on 08:19:30, 12/01/20
I was wondering if they stopped them for a couple of hours last night, as no one seemed to have made a lot of progress between when I went to bed and when I woke up.  But maybe they just sensibly decided to stop for a rest until the weather improved a bit.  Sad so many have retired, especially the ones near the front.
Oh well, next lot are off.  Too many dots to watch!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 08:32:28, 12/01/20
I was wondering if they stopped them for a couple of hours last night, as no one seemed to have made a lot of progress between when I went to bed and when I woke up.  But maybe they just sensibly decided to stop for a rest until the weather improved a bit.  Sad so many have retired, especially the ones near the front.
Oh well, next lot are off.  Too many dots to watch!
The leaders pace is conistent with previous races so I doubt if they held the field.Got to admire how efficent the organisers are in the way they pick people up and get them to safety.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:39:14, 12/01/20
Blimey, leaders already on Jacobs Ladder  :o
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:40:01, 12/01/20
Got to admire how efficent the organisers are in the way they pick people up and get them to safety.

Yes, a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure safety etc
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:48:30, 12/01/20
So many Challenger retirements, it must have been awful last night.
The first 2 are so far ahead coming down in to Horton in R. With the others not far out of Malham they are a normal persons day in front.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 09:23:39, 12/01/20
Yes, will be interesting to watch Wouter who's always done well on the Challenger  :)
His tracker hasn't update since 08.53. I have a feeling he might be in the lead.Eugeni and John Kelly are leading,at least according to the trackers.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:42:41, 12/01/20
Early days but a reasonable breakaway group of 8 that will no doubt be happy at this stage being in such a group also including Eoin Keith.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:45:37, 12/01/20
197 off route, may be just a call of nature! Now back in the pack!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 10:01:07, 12/01/20
Trackers are all over the place,not updating properly so its impossible to tell who is leading.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:01:49, 12/01/20
Yep, very confusing at the moment  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 13:39:49, 12/01/20
 John Kelly and Eugeni are in the lead but due to the trackers updating out of phase its hard to work out if John has gone into the lead.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 13:46:58, 12/01/20
It would appear that he is a touch in the lead but I cant imagine Eugeni will let him pull away much.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:51:35, 12/01/20
The race is still in its early stages, there are 7 still within c. 30 minutes of the leaders.  I like it (they might not) when it gets dark and they are tired (if they ever do get tired!) and they stop at a check point and one slips out whilst the rest are sleeping.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 15:19:57, 12/01/20
426 Douglas Zinis finished 1st with a "sprint" from Cam Road to take 52 minutes out of David Hanna to win by 97 minutes.  Well done after a tough time over night.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 15:27:01, 12/01/20
181 John Kelly is slowly pulling away from 226 Eugeni Sole even allowing for the different tracking times or is that he is happy to follow from a short distance.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 15:29:19, 12/01/20
Eugeni will follow if he can  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:14:41, 12/01/20
 John Kelly has gone off route on the descent from Stoodley.He might suffer a time penalty if he dosen't retrace his tracks.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:25:22, 12/01/20
Back on track but at least Eugeni didn't follow and presumably he didn't shout out either!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:43:36, 12/01/20
I nearly posted earlier that is it better to have "walked" it before so you know what is coming or is it better not to know!  It must have shaken John Kelly's confidence to have gone wrong in daylight although he may have now overtaken Eugeni.  I think that I would have followed him to the checkpoint but that is perhaps whilst I am sitting here and not out there! 168 seems to be closing but they have just gone UP after the road to Hebden Bridge.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 16:43:45, 12/01/20
John Kelly has gone off route on the descent from Stoodley.He might suffer a time penalty if he dosen't retrace his tracks.


Should be okay, no real benefit
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:48:19, 12/01/20
Has Eugeni let him past so that he can follow or is he hoping he will miss the turn off to the check point?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:59:06, 12/01/20
I nearly posted earlier that is it better to have "walked" it before so you know what is coming or is it better not to know! 
I think John has run the entire route as preparation.However,I am sure some of the other people who enter have never walked the Pennine  Way and don't realise just how brutal it can be.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:09:32, 12/01/20
They will have got to the Hebden Bridge check point nearly an hour quicker than the challenger contestants.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 17:25:38, 12/01/20
They will have got to the Hebden Bridge check point nearly an hour quicker than the challenger contestants.
And 45 mins faster than Jasmine did last year.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:51:51, 12/01/20
Kelly is on the way out again, Eugeni doesn't appear to be moving. Check - yes he is!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 18:18:07, 12/01/20
John looks to be keeping his lead, though it is hard to tell.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 18:47:47, 12/01/20
Quite a few off course at Gargrave, should be no penalty though as they've chosen a longer route  O0

Edit:  having said that it may be faster so there may be a penalty.  However maybe there is an official diversion there, haven't kept up with those.

Edit again:  Looks like an official diversion as others also taking it
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 18:52:11, 12/01/20
John looks to be keeping his lead, though it is hard to tell.

True, but it looks likes he and Eugenie are pretty much together  O0 O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 18:53:28, 12/01/20
Yes it does now, just waiting for John to update.


E2A both updated and they are definitely together now.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 19:20:24, 12/01/20
John breaking away a bit it seems  :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 19:38:57, 12/01/20
 No 249 appears to be miles off route.Her tracker shows her making it to Standedge and then heading west across country to Harrop Edge and then heading south to Dick Hill.Must have been walking as the times indicate a slow pace.She appears to be heading back to Harrop Edge.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 20:10:48, 12/01/20
The leaders in the main race are now past Ponden, which is where we spent our 4th night!  ;D
Think I’ll start rooting for the backmarkers who are only just past Wessenden, still a fantastic effort and looks a bit more achievable by normal people!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:13:00, 12/01/20
Think I’ll start rooting for the backmarkers who are only just past Wessenden, still a fantastic effort and looks a bit more achievable by normal people!
I think I'm normal  :-\ and I would be at Crowden!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 20:15:42, 12/01/20
I think I'm normal  :-\ and I would be at Crowden!
Well yes so would I but Wessenden’s not too much further on....
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:57:12, 12/01/20
511 is taking the Pennine Way route rather than the diversion before Gargrave.  331 is retiring.

511 making his way back, I guess that it must be flooded.

21.13 427 straying off route.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Warbler on 21:14:58, 12/01/20
Ooops! The leader has taken a wrong turning just before Cowling, but appears to be heading back on course.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:23:12, 12/01/20
One of the challengers did that yesterday, as I did when I walked it.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:40:54, 12/01/20


21.13 427 straying off route.
The route isn't very clear on that section and in the dark its going to be difficult to find the stile that leads to the canal towpath.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:05:11, 12/01/20
He seems to be going round in circles, if only he could find his way to the canal which is only 0.5K away he should be OK.  Edit: A minute or so later he appears to be getting back on track. Next Edit: Now he has to find the gap in the hedge after the double bridge at East Marton.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 22:31:20, 12/01/20
It has dawned on me that some of you must have fantastic recall. Harland especially. I have sometimes walked sections again because I just couldn't remember anything about them. Of course Sods Law is proven when it all floods back within a couple of hundred yards. 
I think I converted a few people into dot watchers in the pub up the road this afternoon.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 22:50:15, 12/01/20
He seems to be going round in circles, if only he could find his way to the canal which is only 0.5K away he should be OK.  Edit: A minute or so later he appears to be getting back on track. Next Edit: Now he has to find the gap in the hedge after the double bridge at East Marton.


I missed that in daylight once so finding it in darkness won't be easy  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 23:10:11, 12/01/20
Following 126 the backmarker on the main Spine, she’s gone off course past Standedge. Tempted to stay up but no, heading for my lovely warm bed. Fingers crossed she’s back on course and doing well tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:22:35, 12/01/20
Following 126 the backmarker on the main Spine, she’s gone off course past Standedge. Tempted to stay up but no, heading for my lovely warm bed. Fingers crossed she’s back on course and doing well tomorrow morning.
Its quite a common mistake in that area.In 2014 Papa Ferret spent three hours wandering around on the moor before rejoining the PW.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: staggerindragon on 06:51:02, 13/01/20
Oooh, timekilling navigational wanderings for Andre Hook at Fountains Fell.  Looks like he just found his way back on track though.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:20:57, 13/01/20
Well how things have changed since I was last on line.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:29:29, 13/01/20
Only just signed in this morning, no I haven't just got out of bed!  What has happened overnight, has John Kelly just steadily pulled out a lead or have the other front runners had a rest somewhere - can't spot that they had a sleep but I guess they will all rest at Hawes.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:50:37, 13/01/20
Be good to see how john kelly goes once north of middleton, can he keep up the good pace? Reminds me when jim mann did the full spine, he was off at rocket pace but kept having little naps which eoin and pavel didnt, I wonder if he will burn out? Eoin been his usual machine making up time when others mistake or stop too long, and eugeni in trouble or taking a different approach to years gone by?! Maybe last year finally proved to himself that he can navigate on his own. Either way im enthralled.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 10:08:38, 13/01/20
Only just signed in this morning, no I haven't just got out of bed!  What has happened overnight, has John Kelly just steadily pulled out a lead or have the other front runners had a rest somewhere - can't spot that they had a sleep but I guess they will all rest at Hawes.
You haven't got out of bed yet Harland!


If you click the clock symbol top left on the tracker you can see the race at speed. During the night Eugeni changed his mind and headed towards Edale for a bit.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:14:00, 13/01/20
Sad loss overnight of Gwynn Stokes, bit of a Montane Spine legend and a great bloke overall.  I had the pleasure of looking after him quite a bit last year, he had really struggled at times but his determination got him through.  Must have been a real issue to make him retire.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 10:23:07, 13/01/20
Be good to see how john kelly goes once north of middleton, can he keep up the good pace? Reminds me when jim mann did the full spine, he was off at rocket pace but kept having little naps which eoin and pavel didnt, I wonder if he will burn out? Eoin been his usual machine making up time when others mistake or stop too long, and eugeni in trouble or taking a different approach to years gone by?! Maybe last year finally proved to himself that he can navigate on his own. Either way im enthralled.
Jim Mann has never done the full Spine race.He won the Challenger but suffered some kind of ligament problem.

 Eoin has definately closed the gap to Jim.Not too sure what happened with Eugeni last night as he went back up the hill at Thornton and then came back down.

 Sabrina Verjee seems to be going quite well,currenty in 6th place overall and has been moving through the field at a steady pace.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 10:42:42, 13/01/20
Jim Mann has never done the full Spine race.He won the Challenger but suffered some kind of ligament problem.

 Eoin has definately closed the gap to Jim.Not too sure what happened with Eugeni last night as he went back up the hill at Thornton and then came back down.

 Sabrina Verjee seems to be going quite well,currenty in 6th place overall and has been moving through the field at a steady pace.
He did it in 2018, did the challenger last year in record pace!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 11:03:51, 13/01/20
He did it in 2018, did the challenger last year in record pace!
He won the Challenger in 2019 but I can't recall Jim being in the 2018 Spine race unless he retired very early.Someone well known fell over on Kinder in that race and had to retire with a daamged hip but I can't remember his name.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 12:17:00, 13/01/20
Just to resolve the discussion over Jim Mann, I’ve just looked at the Spine race website and he was a DNF in 2018 in the main Spine race.  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:24:11, 13/01/20
John Kelly has only spent an hour in Hawes before making a swift departure as the others arrive.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 12:43:56, 13/01/20
Just to resolve the discussion over Jim Mann, I’ve just looked at the Spine race website and he was a DNF in 2018 in the main Spine race.  O0
Thanks for that.I just checked myself and Jim was leading for quite a way before retiring later in the race.His early pace was very fast.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 12:50:42, 13/01/20
Seems in his eagerness to get outta hawes and crack back on john kelly is making a hash of exciting hawes on the correct path, unless its a diversion. If eoin is getting regular updates about john's route finding problems in daylight then im sure eoin will push him very hard into making bigger mistakes!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 13:07:25, 13/01/20
Bet eoin won't believe his luck when he sees john up ahead going up gt shunner fell, be good to see how john goes route finding coming outta thwaite, i had fun there in the daylight and i had time to look and map check etc, unless he starts to rely heavily on gps from now! Interesting watching the video's on fb how eugeni doesnt seem that eager to chase down!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 13:34:00, 13/01/20
Tom hollins retired.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 13:35:30, 13/01/20
That's a shame  :(
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 13:38:59, 13/01/20
  John looked a bit withdrawn as he came into Hawes.It will be interesting to see how he copes with storm Brendon this afternoon.Eoin never seems to be affected by bad weather and is always cheerful whatever the conditons.Eugeni seems to be knackered but hardly surprsing considering the early pace.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 13:44:59, 13/01/20
  John looked a bit withdrawn as he came into Hawes.It will be interesting to see how he copes with storm Brendon this afternoon.Eoin never seems to be affected by bad weather and is always cheerful whatever the conditons.Eugeni seems to be knackered but hardly surprsing considering the early pace.
Must be very demoralising if you have busted your guts out to eek out a good gap for then the 3rd place guy to be on your heels!! Surely for john now, common sense would be to run with eoin, follow eoin's amazing navigation cos it'l soon be dark and rest the brain a bit!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 14:03:25, 13/01/20
Must be very demoralising if you have busted your guts out to eek out a good gap for then the 3rd place guy to be on your heels!! Surely for john now, common sense would be to run with eoin, follow eoin's amazing navigation cos it'l soon be dark and rest the brain a bit!
  Eugeni is back on the route so it will be interesting to see if he has recovered enough to make another attack.I hope he does as he is a great competitor and gives it everything he has got.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 14:31:22, 13/01/20
  Eugeni is back on the route so it will be interesting to see if he has recovered enough to make another attack.I hope he does as he is a great competitor and gives it everything he has got.
Eugeni seems to be catching upto jayson and with that upto andre too, the top two seems to be almost together. Winds picked up and im on the flat lowlands, it must be hard work going up shunner with a strong wind coming at you, once over the top tho it should be more a tail wind and then some respite once in thwaite. Further back simon gfellar seems to be making progress! Also sabrina is doing amazing!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 14:42:58, 13/01/20
Looks like Eoin is making his move, or Kelly is slowing  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 14:49:07, 13/01/20
I think that Eoin will stick with him unless he slows a lot or goes off route during the night believing that he can "outsprint" him over the last few miles.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 14:58:45, 13/01/20
Eoin isn't a great fan though of 'sticking' with someone, guess it will depend on how he feels about Kelly  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:00:03, 13/01/20
That track the leaders are about to come down leading into thwaite is awful, real ankle breaker. Tan hill will be interesting, will john opt for a quick in/out, will eoin enjoy some food and a doze. Wish i was up there watching!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 15:02:06, 13/01/20
You and me both  O0 and yes, that's a very rutted and stony track, tricky when walking normally yet alone running/walking quickly.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:06:49, 13/01/20
See they are still going over pen y ghent so cant be "that" windy, anybody know what gusts have to get to in order for the diversion to come into effect?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:19:27, 13/01/20
Got to admire #202 joakim moberg, long way behind the next person, got 22miles to get to malham cp and just under 17 hours to do it along the muddiest and slowest section, good luck to him i say. hes my new hero for continuing on regardless!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 15:34:30, 13/01/20
See they are still going over pen y ghent so cant be "that" windy, anybody know what gusts have to get to in order for the diversion to come into effect?
About 150mph.Anything lower wouldn't be considered brutal enough. ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:37:24, 13/01/20
Got to admire #202 joakim moberg, long way behind the next person, got 22miles to get to malham cp and just under 17 hours to do it along the muddiest and slowest section, good luck to him i say. hes my new hero for continuing on regardless!!
[censored]! Seems i might have jinxed #202, heading into colne at a reet pace!! :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 15:44:35, 13/01/20
Sabrina has just left Hawes and is in 6th place overall.Still in with a chance if the others run into trouble.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:48:12, 13/01/20
Sabrina has just left Hawes and is in 6th place overall.Still in with a chance if the others run into trouble.
Just over 3hrs behind the front two, blooming good going! O0
Eugeni seems to have picked his pace on the descent from shunner, andre hook seems to be slowing.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 15:49:21, 13/01/20
Sabrina has just left Hawes and is in 6th place overall.Still in with a chance if the others run into trouble.
It will have to be a lot of trouble as she is 3 hours behind the leaders.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 15:51:59, 13/01/20
I think that Eoin will stick with him unless he slows a lot or goes off route during the night believing that he can "outsprint" him over the last few miles.
I think it would be the other way round as Kelly is a younger guy and Eoin by his own admission dosen't have a kick.A very long way to go and the predicted bad weather could be a factor.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:53:28, 13/01/20
It will have to be a lot of trouble as she is 3 hours behind the leaders.
I know its going to get dark soon but will it help if she has footprints to follow? surely that must help in the dark!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:05:05, 13/01/20
I always think that if I follow footprints I'll end up in Sainsburys!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:07:23, 13/01/20
I know its going to get dark soon but will it help if she has footprints to follow? surely that must help in the dark!
Slogger said it helps but I think he was referring to snow conditions rather than mud.She won the summer race last year so the route should still be fresh in her mind.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 16:09:05, 13/01/20
Sabrina heading back into hawes??
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:12:00, 13/01/20
Don't think so.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 16:15:50, 13/01/20
Yeah sorry, the dots seem to be moving but not her yellow number marker, got excited for a mo. Cant imagine what she is wearing(going by the fb pics) will be much fun on the exposed parts, itl flap about and maybe act as a giant kite!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:21:00, 13/01/20
The signals for the top 5 have stopped working, weather conditions?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:22:11, 13/01/20
(https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/82057896_2932526410168368_854945572782604288_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkVeDHSKpdZD3h-pDvTBUAJzeF5oj_J9YqKYDOykXt-V3Bfvc8G6l3rjxrXNBIIW10&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&_nc_tp=1&oh=dba66d13fa7f0069cf9ef3ef63debf33&oe=5EDBD879) ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: One F on 16:24:52, 13/01/20
See they are still going over pen y ghent so cant be "that" windy, anybody know what gusts have to get to in order for the diversion to come into effect?


I'm about 6 miles (as t'crow flies) from Pen y Ghent and the wind has really picked up in the last half an hour with gusts strong enough to buffet me walking back home, so I'm guessing it will be a bit tasty on PyG, especially with darkness falling. Good luck to the runners tonight.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 16:26:05, 13/01/20

I'm about 6 miles (as t'crow flies) from Pen y Ghent and the wind has really picked up in the last half an hour with gusts strong enough to buffet me walking back home, so I'm guessing it will be a bit tasty on PyG, especially with darkness falling. Good luck to the runners tonight.
Diversion now in place for pen y ghent!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 16:27:14, 13/01/20
(https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/82057896_2932526410168368_854945572782604288_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkVeDHSKpdZD3h-pDvTBUAJzeF5oj_J9YqKYDOykXt-V3Bfvc8G6l3rjxrXNBIIW10&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&_nc_tp=1&oh=dba66d13fa7f0069cf9ef3ef63debf33&oe=5EDBD879) ;D
Yeah that, hope it works for her!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:41:49, 13/01/20
102 slightly off course, doesn't look shorter distance but an easier track into Hawes.

The rain looks horrendous but it will clear, see:-

http://www.raintoday.co.uk/
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:46:07, 13/01/20
Eoin's tracker now working.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Warbler on 17:02:04, 13/01/20
The signals for the top 5 have stopped working, weather conditions?

There are certain areas where the signals are always failing. Around High Cup Nick, between Middleton-in-Teesdale and Dufton is another one I've noticed in the past.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:07:57, 13/01/20
John Kelly's now working again. Need Eoin's to update now. Update: Eoin about 1k behind.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 17:08:22, 13/01/20
523 has missed the turn to Tan End off the main track into Hawes, we were intercepting those who made that error last year and diverting them back onto track, no penalties as they then had a longer walk. Wonder if the same will happen this year  :-\

Edit:  he's continuing, no SST at Hawes I guess to turn him back onto track.  Even with a penalty he should easily finish in time  :)

Edit: Spoke too soon, looks like he has been turned back onto track  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 17:42:50, 13/01/20
Kelly's icon shows him sleeping at Tan Hill, with Eoin just behind, wonder if he too will sleep or just crack on  :-\

Clearly didn't sleep for long as off again  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 17:57:53, 13/01/20
If the weather at Tan Hill is anything like the weather in Cumbria at the minute they might be best staying put for a few hours. Strong winds and torrential rain here, it is awful.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 18:05:58, 13/01/20
If the weather at Tan Hill is anything like the weather in Cumbria at the minute they might be best staying put for a few hours. Strong winds and torrential rain here, it is awful.
An early Spring then?  :D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:07:39, 13/01/20
Eoin, Eugeni and John will all be at Tan Hill at the same time - who is going to go first?  Boggy there at the best of times!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 18:12:21, 13/01/20
John is off already  ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:15:14, 13/01/20
An early Spring then?  :D

 ;D Coming down the M6 on the way home from work was interesting. On the bridge over the Eden I think the river was being blown up onto the motorway there was so much water  :o

Tomorrow looks pretty bad too. The fells on Sunday were saturated, it must be just as bad on the Pennine Way, I feel sorry for them.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:15:46, 13/01/20
John is off already  ;)

 :o He must be fond of a treat  :o
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:31:58, 13/01/20
Well they are nearly halfway so not far to go! :D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 19:05:58, 13/01/20
Well they are nearly halfway so not far to go! :D
Just another 140 miles whilst being jet washed. ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:00:39, 13/01/20
John across God's Bridge with Eoin not far behind  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:17:20, 13/01/20
John across God's Bridge with Eoin not far behind  O0
30 minutes by my calculation.  Let's see the difference by the time I go for some well earned rest! :D

Eugeni and Jayson are 35 minutes behind Eoin.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:36:01, 13/01/20
Wouter houtzing seems to be having a good kip at hawes, almost like hes having enough sleep there so that he can get to the end without needing anymore.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:46:37, 13/01/20
Having been walking since 08.00 yesterday I don't blame him!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:51:20, 13/01/20
Having been walking since 08.00 yesterday I don't blame him!
Yes i dont blame him, just comparing him to the others in the top 10!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:54:07, 13/01/20
I guess that if you know you are not going to "win", what ever that is, then finishing in the timescale in reasonable condition would be my objective.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:54:29, 13/01/20
Andre hook retired at tan hill, shame as he was going so good! :(
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:12:34, 13/01/20
Andre hook retired at tan hill, shame as he was going so good! :(
Not really suprised after pushing himself so hard and the appalling weather conditions.

 John Kelly is at High Birk Hat,the halfway point of the PW.His pace is on par with Jasmins last year.

 Looks like Eugeni has got a new running partner,former commando,Jayson Cavill.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:22:02, 13/01/20
The leader has gone slightly the wrong way near Birk Hat Farm, it won't cost him a lot as long as he turns the right way when he gets to the road and finds the stile over the wall. 
He has spotted his mistake and getting back on the right way.  He must be tired, perhaps more mistakes to come whereas Eoin has more memories to keep him on the straight and narrow.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:37:27, 13/01/20
He is going off track again following the wrong hedge - spotted his mistake and traversing back.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:52:01, 13/01/20
He is going off track again following the wrong hedge - spotted his mistake and traversing back.
These are the little niggly mistakes i was thinking he would start to make, he must be pushing it to the max as having never been here before(in this race) and knowing that eoin is a machine. couple more silly mistakes and his advantage over eoin wont be much come middleton.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:16:32, 13/01/20
Diversion now in place for pen y ghent!!
264 now going over, not sure if the diversion has finished or he has missed the sign.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:23:07, 13/01/20
264 now going over, not sure if the diversion has finished or he has missed the sign.
Maybe wants the "full" spine experience!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:27:52, 13/01/20
Yep the group behind taking the diversion, he must have head down syndrome!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 22:42:32, 13/01/20
Maybe wants the "full" spine experience!
Atsuki is Japanese so I presume it was a communication problem.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:43:09, 13/01/20
With Eoin catching John Kelly I'm off to bed.  Good luck all Spiners.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:57:53, 13/01/20
Maybe john kelly is not trusting his nav too good and is using his gps more often and thats why his pace has dropped, eoin still seems to be going strong. If john keeps looking back to see eoin then im sure they will both see each other. Looks like eugeni and jayson both had trouble near clover lodge unless they were taking advantage of the hospitality! Both sabrina and simon took the little detour into keld(most probs for snacks). Wouter seems to be making good speed up gt shunner after his good sleep. Cant tear away to go to bed just yet, just too enthralling trying to second guess whats happening!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:36:02, 14/01/20
I see this morning Eoin is now leading with John in second  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 07:42:33, 14/01/20
Just ahead at the moment but around High Cup Nick tracker coverage is patchy so a waiting game to see how it all pans out.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 08:11:55, 14/01/20
Oh I'd forgotten about that bit like the far side of the moon. I'm off to work shortly anyway so they may be back in contact by lunchtime.

sussamb, we may be doing a recce of your Haystacks path on Saturday or Sunday, the forecast isn't too bad at the moment  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:00:56, 14/01/20
Eoin left Middleton about 20 minutes ahead of John Kelly having arrived about 30 minutes after him.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 09:35:59, 14/01/20
sussamb, we may be doing a recce of your Haystacks path on Saturday or Sunday, the forecast isn't too bad at the moment  :)


Great, thanks  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:59:48, 14/01/20
The trackers are starting to pick up again as they come down to Dufton. I assume Eugeni is still with the others.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 10:06:06, 14/01/20
His tracker hasn't been updated since 7.43 so he can't be too far behind the first couple.
Edit: Now working, about 1 mile behind.  I think that tonight will be the testing time that will decide the race.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:36:16, 14/01/20
Eoin, John and Eugenie within spitting distance of each other  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 12:21:18, 14/01/20
It is getting exciting now! Just caught up after morning at work. I will try have a sneaky peek during the afternoon salt mines stint for any developments  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:26:41, 14/01/20
John Kelly always seems to have enough pace to drift ahead during the day but Eugeni now appears to be improving his position, perhaps he has balanced his effort/sleep better.  Eoin is drifting behind a bit at the moment.  Haven't a clue now who to put my money on (if I had any). :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:33:32, 14/01/20
Wouter seems to be making good speed up gt shunner after his good sleep.
He is still doing well, in 5th place approaching Falcon Clints.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 13:39:49, 14/01/20
John Kelly always seems to have enough pace to drift ahead during the day but Eugeni now appears to be improving his position, perhaps he has balanced his effort/sleep better.  Eoin is drifting behind a bit at the moment.  Haven't a clue now who to put my money on (if I had any). :-\
Eugeni was the last to leave CP3,around 4.35 ,and still managed to catch the other pair after ten miles so it shows he is still strong and his mental attitude is good.I haven't got a clue who is going to win but whoever it is will certainly deserve it.Sabrina Verjee is also in with a chance as she only needed an hours sleep last night to be fully *refreshed* (according to Facebook).
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 13:54:21, 14/01/20
Does anyone know when the leaders left Dufton last year? I can't find in on line but this feels very quick.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 14:32:45, 14/01/20
Does anyone know when the leaders left Dufton last year? I can't find in on line but this feels very quick.
Jasmin 8 mins behind arriving at Dufton.
I hope she can take this too April it would be amazing. 08.52 Posted by Ridge.2019 She left Dufton at 09.05
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Percy on 15:20:05, 14/01/20
The problem with trying to follow this too closely is the differences in tracking update times. Eoin appears to have been dropped by Eugeni but, as I type, Eoin was last tracked at 14:51 and Eugeni at 15:10.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Percy on 15:21:20, 14/01/20
The problem with trying to follow this too closely is the differences in tracking update times. Eoin appears to have been dropped by Eugeni but, as I type, Eoin was last tracked at 14:51 and Eugeni at 15:10.
And then it updates and while Eoin is behind the gap isn’t much.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 15:25:17, 14/01/20
With the latest updates which are very nearly the same. John is c.1.5K ahead of Eugeni and he is c. 1K ahead of Eoin.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:50:45, 14/01/20
Looks like eugeni stopped at gregs hut for about 10mins, john slowed down maybe a few mins stop to say hello an eoin kept on plodding by. Will see what happens at alston, if they dont stop for too long we will see how good johns nav is on the next section in the dark! Would make perfect sense to wait for eoin and follow him and then power away again along hadrians wall. Eugeni must be in good spirits after falling behind but then catching right up again, even with stopping for longer. Tis guna be a long night shift!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:52:40, 14/01/20
Looks like eugeni stopped at gregs hut for about 10mins, john slowed down maybe a few mins stop to say hello an eoin kept on plodding by. Will see what happens at alston, if they dont stop for too long we will see how good johns nav is on the next section in the dark! Would make perfect sense to wait for eoin and follow him and then power away again along hadrians wall. Eugeni must be in good spirits after falling behind but then catching right up again, even with stopping for longer. Tis guna be a long night shift!!
Durgh, sorry got my wires crossed. eugeni slowed whereas john stopped.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:11:31, 14/01/20
It looks like the Alston checkpoint is the YHA, the site used in previous years caught out lots of contestants.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:29:56, 14/01/20
Eugeni must be in good spirits after falling behind but then catching right up again, even with stopping for longer. Tis guna be a long night shift!!
Eugeni was an hour faster from CP3 to Dufton than John so he managed to get more rest at CP3.He looked in good spirits at High Cup and was moving well.He also seems to have invested in more robust outer clothing!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:10:16, 14/01/20
Eugeni cutting down on John's lead as they approach Alston.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 17:20:48, 14/01/20
Eugeni was an hour faster from CP3 to Dufton than John so he managed to get more rest at CP3.He looked in good spirits at High Cup and was moving well.He also seems to have invested in more robust outer clothing!
Yes i agree. He seems to have a different strategy this year, normally he would run as fast as need be to stay with the leader but this year he has a different plan and its working. John is probably been a bit more cautious now its dark, wont want to make anymore mistakes whilst leading into a check point. The next bit could be the make or break section, always notoriously muddy and route finding tricky in the dark which will slow progress, ideal eoin territory!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 17:21:12, 14/01/20
It looks like the Alston checkpoint is the YHA, the site used in previous years caught out lots of contestants.

It was Alston last year too  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:24:14, 14/01/20
It was Alston last year too  O0
Stupidly I missed last year as I had booked a holiday abroad! :-[
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 17:31:59, 14/01/20
Last man standing #176 adam jacobs must be really struggling if hes stopped for a bivvy/camp along the cam road in these conditions, going by his last few dots on the tracker he was making slow progress, best of luck to him!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 17:33:50, 14/01/20
Yes i agree. He seems to have a different strategy this year, normally he would run as fast as need be to stay with the leader but this year he has a different plan and its working. John is probably been a bit more cautious now its dark, wont want to make anymore mistakes whilst leading into a check point. The next bit could be the make or break section, always notoriously muddy and route finding tricky in the dark which will slow progress, ideal eoin territory!!
I feel Jasmin took him to a new level last year and gave him a new found confidence.
 Lamberley is going to be horrible after all this rain.Its bad enough in daylight in summer.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 17:37:47, 14/01/20
Last man standing #176 adam jacobs must be really struggling if hes stopped for a bivvy/camp along the cam road in these conditions, going by his last few dots on the tracker he was making slow progress, best of luck to him!!
He has to have left Hawes by 8.00pm to stay in the race.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:46:50, 14/01/20
He has to have left Hawes by 8.00pm to stay in the race.
Time to call it a day.  I hope that he is OK and that he is in a bivvy or that someone is on the way to check he is well.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:22:02, 14/01/20
I didn't get a chance to have a dot watch from 12.30 until I got home, I have missed a lot. I see Eoin has dropped back with Eugeni and John in the lead at Alston. I wonder who will leave first.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:25:08, 14/01/20
John has just left.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:33:17, 14/01/20
Time to call it a day.  I hope that he is OK and that he is in a bivvy or that someone is on the way to check he is well.
He has just started moving again, going back hopefully via the Dales Way to the B6255 where I trust there is a lift awaiting.
Edit: Safely in transport now and on the way to Hawes at speed.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:50:09, 14/01/20
Eoin has struggled (?) into Alston.  He seems to have been very tired on this stretch.  Needs a good sleep and then a final push to Kirk Yetholm without a rest?
Eugeni now off chasing John in the dark. Edit: Well I thought he was but not so sure now. No not moving, perhaps better to have a different strategy to John.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:22:05, 14/01/20
Oh dear, looks like wouter had a mare trying to leave dufton! Looks like he wasted a good half hour there, all that good work in catching up sabrina and simon went to pot, hope he wasnt too cross! :o
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:22:31, 14/01/20
 Providing he dosen't suffer injury John Kelly has got this race in the bag.He now has the same kind of lead that Jasmin had over Eugeni last year and the weather over the next 24 hours looks far kinder.Jayson Cavill looks good for a possible second place as he has now caught Eoin and Eugeni.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:25:52, 14/01/20
Just watching Facebook, John Kelly has little more than 2 hours sleep so far including 15 minutes against a wall somewhere!  Eugeni intends having a short sleep at Alston before moving along. Eoin intends to rest at Alston for a while before moving on.

Re the comment about John above, will he take a sleep somewhere - if not surely he must run out of energy.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:26:51, 14/01/20
Oh dear, looks like wouter had a mare trying to leave dufton! Looks like he wasted a good half hour there, all that good work in catching up sabrina and simon went to pot, hope he wasnt too cross! :o
The Pennine Way is well sign posted in Dufton! Or did he sample too many of the beverages in the Stag Inn?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:29:48, 14/01/20
Watching the last two guys on the road, looks like they are not having much fun on leaving hawes!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:33:37, 14/01/20
The Pennine Way is well sign posted in Dufton! Or did he sample too many of the beverages in the Stag Inn?
I can't work out how/where he went - it looks as though he sent a drone up with his tracker!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:43:13, 14/01/20
Watching the last two guys on the road, looks like they are not having much fun on leaving hawes!!
Can't work out 248, he is continuing but he seems to have got a lift to Hawes from the Pennine Way and then back to Horton and then returned to Hawes to continue
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:44:47, 14/01/20
Can't work out 248, he is continuing but he seems to have got a lift to Hawes from the Pennine Way and then back to Horton and then returned to Hawes to continue
Yeah looks like he hitched a ride in a heli, ha.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:46:27, 14/01/20
I can't work out how/where he went - it looks as though he sent a drone up with his tracker!
If thats not sleep deprivation then i dont no what is. there isnt any paths in that area, must have been sheer panic.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:49:50, 14/01/20
The trackers are possibly to blame, a friend of mine (Peter Gold 154) was shown ahead of the pack at some point today  ;D

Wouter's track is typical of a gps losing fix, same with 248.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:51:35, 14/01/20
The trackers are possibly to blame, a friend of mine (Peter Gold 154) was shown ahead of the pack at some point today  ;D
You should have taken a screen shot for him!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:53:24, 14/01/20
Done  ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:53:46, 14/01/20
Tracker showing Jayson is on the move.  Nearly 8 miles to make up.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:56:24, 14/01/20
Tracker showing Jayson is on the move.  Nearly 8 miles to make up.
Yeah good move, esp if eoin and eugeni have a longer than anticipated sleep. doubt john would have imagined that it would be jayson catching him up. O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:08:51, 14/01/20
Yeah good move, esp if eoin and eugeni have a longer than anticipated sleep. doubt john would have imagined that it would be jayson catching him up. O0
Now showing him nearly 7 miles behind from approaching 8 when he set off.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:14:48, 14/01/20
Now showing him nearly 7 miles behind from approaching 8 when he set off.
Just watched a few videos on fb and john looked very solemn in gregs hut, even asking if it was downhill all the way(presumably to alston), whereas jayson was laughing and joking as he left alston and even commented that his legs felt good going up cross fell, two very different states of mind but almost the same effect. Eugeni looked in pain with his foot/feet.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:26:12, 14/01/20
The leader john has done 9miles in about 3hrs, thats fair pace considering where he is. Will take some serious pace to catch him up if he doesnt need much more sleep.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:32:03, 14/01/20
The leader john has done 9miles in about 3hrs, thats fair pace considering where he is. Will take some serious pace to catch him up if he doesnt need much more sleep.
The trackers now show that Jayson is 6.7 miles behind with his tracker 2 minutes behind John's last update and Jayson is just about to start a downhill bit and then flat for a while from memory.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:00:07, 14/01/20
The trackers now show that Jayson is 6.7 miles behind with his tracker 2 minutes behind John's last update and Jayson is just about to start a downhill bit and then flat for a while from memory.
Yeah he looks like hes about 2h30 ish behind! Must admit i dont know that area as i "cheated" and went up the south tyne railway to lambley viaduct. It looks likely to be the last night so jayson will have the bit between his teeth!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:08:02, 14/01/20
Yeah he looks like hes about 2h30 ish behind! Must admit i dont know that area as i "cheated" and went up the south tyne railway to lambley viaduct. It looks likely to be the last night so jayson will have the bit between his teeth!!
The bit over Featherstone Common can be difficult but if he walks on a bearing he should be OK.  Hadrian's Wall will test their legs!  And the bit after Hadrian's Wall will be WET!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:11:23, 14/01/20
6.4 miles behind with John's tracker 2 minutes behind.  From memory when Jayson started I said he was nearly 8 miles behind - I think he was 7.7.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 22:12:33, 14/01/20
And still no mention on BBC Sports.  :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:17:22, 14/01/20
And still no mention on BBC Sports.  :-\
That is because they are preparing for the Cambridge Open Tiddlywinks tournament on 25-26 January! :D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:23:32, 14/01/20
And still no mention on BBC Sports.  :-\
Too far north now for that! ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:45:02, 14/01/20
Wow, I go out for the evening and Jayson has smashed it.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:45:37, 14/01/20
With the difference now 6.1 miles with John's tracker 2 minutes earlier than Jayson's I am off to bed.  I need more than 2 hours sleep in 2+ days!  Goodnight.  Spiners keep safe.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 22:52:11, 14/01/20
Wow, I go out for the evening and Jayson has smashed it.
Yeah hes taken abt 1.6miles outta john since leaving alston, good going if he can keep that up through the night!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: staggerindragon on 05:14:06, 15/01/20
Just logged in and #264 is having a worrying wander north of the A66.  He was just a bit off track when I left work, and that was hours ago.


When does the point come where officials will go check on racers who are moving but clearly lost?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 05:59:15, 15/01/20
Showing 3.4 miles apart at 5.46 just north of the "wet bit" after Hadrian's Wall! Eoin 9 miles further back after a long sleep at Alston. Eugeni retired presumably near/at Greenhead after 198.2 miles.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 07:04:35, 15/01/20

When does the point come where officials will go check on racers who are moving but clearly lost?


Members of the closest SST will go quite quickly if Race Control are concerned. Being 'lost' though isn't in itself a trigger.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:32:53, 15/01/20
I wish I didn't have to sleep I've missed all the excitement!

Sabrina Verjee is now in 4th  O0 Come on Sabrina  O0

It is so close between the first two now, I hope I manage to see their dots get to Kirk Yetholm. Does anyone know how long it will take them to get there? Are they on track to beat Jasmin's time from last year? Did they sleep at Greenhead? I wish I didn't have to go to work today.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 08:02:34, 15/01/20
I've just calculated they have over 40 miles to go so they won't finish before I come home from work. Did Jasmin finish on Wednesday evening last year or was it Thursday? I may be a day ahead of myself  :D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:14:17, 15/01/20
Wednesday ...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 08:28:56, 15/01/20
Thanks sussanb, I'm still half asleep  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 08:49:52, 15/01/20
She finished in 83 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds so to beat the record they would have to finish this evening before 7.12 p.m.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:58:57, 15/01/20
Clicking on Bellingham I've discovered that John is 5 hours behind the record time.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:09:23, 15/01/20
I can't see that John has slept from Alston to Bellingham but I guess/trust that he is now.  Jayson appears to have stopped for 15 minutes at Horneystead.  As the saying goes "this could go to the wire" or will they hold hands and walk in together - my preference as they both deserve "to win".
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:15:07, 15/01/20
From Facebook:-
Disappointing news to start the day we're afraid. Eugenie Rosello Sole has been forced to retire at Alston.
 After a longer stop there last night to strap up his battered feet, he set off at a good pace. However, the foot problems deteriorated and slowed his pace to a crawl and he was eventually brought back to Alston.  He's safe, warm and sleeping currently. After the heartbreak of his DNF, 6km from the finish last year, there was a universal hope that he'd get to the end this time but sadly it won't be this year.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:26:52, 15/01/20
After the heartbreak of his DNF, 6km from the finish last year, there was a universal hope that he'd get to the end this time but sadly it won't be this year.
I'm not sure that he cares about finishing, he is out there to win it. If all he wanted was to get to the end then he would take it slower and have longer breaks but every year he is up there with the leaders pushing himself all the way. A great effort from him as always.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:38:00, 15/01/20
I've just watched yesterdays film and the quote of the race must go to Jayson Cavill
Quote
It is quite good fun though, in't it
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:49:28, 15/01/20
Well they are both together at Bellingham.  Jayson picked up 30 minutes from Alston to Greenhead and a further 25 minutes to Bellingham. Who will leave first?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 10:15:00, 15/01/20
241 Kerry Sutton seems to have been stuck at High Cup Nick for 5 hours.  Hopefully just bivvying down and waiting for the sunrise and view! Though an hour or so ago it showed her heading north and back again very quickly as though in a helicopter.  Maybe the tracker is playing up.


Sabrina has gone off route just before Blenkinsopp.  Just looked again, she’s realised her mistake.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 10:19:19, 15/01/20
Looking further ahead, it looks like the route is still going across Padon Hill, another place notorious for the bogs. Some years I think it’s diverted along the road there.  Can’t be that boggy then!  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 10:20:49, 15/01/20
John has left Bellingham having stopped for just under 2.5 hours. Wonder what Jayson will do...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 10:26:51, 15/01/20
John has left Bellingham having stopped for just under 2.5 hours. Wonder what Jayson will do...
He won't want to let him get too far ahead as, from his last two legs he is obviously trying to win it. I thought that John may run into trouble with lack of sleep but with a reasonable stop at Bellingham (for him, not me) then I guess he may be able to go all the way now.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 10:36:25, 15/01/20
Sorry for being such a late joiner to the thread.
I just saw the video of John arriving at the Bellingham checkpoint (I know he has left now) - he seems stunned but also focused. His pack is so compact - how does he manage all the compulsory kit?!


Yes - let's see what Jayson's tactics are. Is it race on?!
Goodness - Jayson's tracker is showing him as being in Gateshead - is that a blip or have I missed something?!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 10:40:35, 15/01/20
Goodness - Jayson's tracker is showing him as being in Gateshead - is that a blip or have I missed something?!
I guess it is a blip, he went there and back very quickly.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 10:42:37, 15/01/20
I took a screen shot to prove (to myself at any rate) that I wasn't going bonkers. But relieved he hasn't been helicoptered away.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 10:45:13, 15/01/20
Jayson has just left CP5 so its going to be interesting to see what happens.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 10:50:15, 15/01/20
Just over a mile behind, take it slowly - no need to catch him quickly. Guess I'll pop out for a walk otherwise I'll sit here until they finish!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 10:57:34, 15/01/20
I took a screen shot to prove (to myself at any rate) that I wasn't going bonkers. But relieved he hasn't been helicoptered away.
If you click on his 'info, route, splits' his trace is still showing that he went there and back. So you may be going bonkers but this doesn't prove it ;)


Jayson has just left CP5 so its going to be interesting to see what happens.
Wont it, it feels like we have a race on.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 11:06:44, 15/01/20
<If you click on his 'info, route, splits' his trace is still showing that he went there and back. So you may be going bonkers but this doesn't prove it >
Ha ha :D


Game on then! Could be a nail biter as we watch the dots.


Any predictions for finish times?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 11:13:51, 15/01/20
Interestingly they are taking the road to Holwick.The Tees must be in flood but at least they will get to see High Force.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:18:40, 15/01/20
Any predictions for finish times?
Put me in the sweep-stake for 10.07pm
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 11:22:22, 15/01/20



Any predictions for finish times?
Probably around mid-night or earlier if they make a race of it.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 12:13:47, 15/01/20
Thanks for all the updates since 8.30 folks. Not been able to check progress. Next year I am taking a few days off work.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:22:19, 15/01/20
By my reckoning John is pulling away.


E2A Yes, he was 3km behind coming up out of Bellingham and he's now 3.5km adrift. Though he is now on the tops so may speed up.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 12:34:17, 15/01/20
Hopefully they won’t finish too early tonight. After bragging that I’m now retired and can dot watch all week, I’ve just realised that I agreed to go to the cinema tonight with friends!  :-\
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 12:56:36, 15/01/20
Annoyingly I have to go out now - first work appointment for weeks... >:(
I'll be back.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 13:16:46, 15/01/20
We'll keep you up to date Sarah.


The gap is definitely opening up, it must be more than 5km now.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 13:21:47, 15/01/20
That could be because Jayson has just been negotiating Padon Hill and John is on the forest tracks now?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 13:30:25, 15/01/20
That could be because Jayson has just been negotiating Padon Hill
That memory blasted back into my mind. My feet went all damp.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 13:55:25, 15/01/20
We'll keep you up to date Sarah.


The gap is definitely opening up, it must be more than 5km now.
Thanks Ridge.
Just arrived at my appointment and having a sneaky check.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 14:09:05, 15/01/20
John seems to have been revitalised after his rest/sleep at Bellingham and steadily extending his lead.  I know that there is a long way to go but the navigation after Byrness isn't difficult so that shouldn't prove to be a problem in the dark.  By the way can someone have a word with them as I want to go to bed about 10.30 so I wouldn't mind if they could speed up a bit!

Just spotted that John is in Byrness already!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:17:07, 15/01/20
Just a reminder that Jasmin Paris's time was 83:12:23
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 14:19:11, 15/01/20
Yes, she was in Byrness at 9.58 this morning, last year.


Just spotted that John is in Byrness already!
and he's not stopping.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 14:35:04, 15/01/20
WHAT! How can Jayson be at Byrness!!!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Warbler on 14:37:08, 15/01/20
Looks like his tracker has gone haywire again. It did this earlier.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 14:37:59, 15/01/20
WHAT! How can Jayson be at Byrness!!!!

He's been timed in so is there, it'll be a race to the finish  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 14:40:31, 15/01/20
Can Jayson make a quick exit and try and chase John down?  Not sure that he walked there looking at his tracker at 14.19 he was still about 8k away! At 14.24 he was on the road before the hotel - hopefully the tracker has malfunctioned.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 14:49:12, 15/01/20
Very odd, the tracker was definitely moving before but slowly and now he has jumped and is timed in.


If the splits are to be believed he was an hour faster than John from Bellingham to Byrness
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 14:53:55, 15/01/20
You would think that if he had retired "before" Byrness then he wouldn't be allowed to sign in!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 14:58:44, 15/01/20
Now showing as retired at Byrness  :(
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 14:59:09, 15/01/20
Just saw the video of John Kelly running into Forest View at Byrness, the camerawoman could hardly keep up!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 15:01:57, 15/01/20
Now showing as retired at Byrness  :(
Such a shame, Jayson pushed himself right to the end - well done.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 15:03:34, 15/01/20
Now showing as retired at Byrness  :(
What a shame but its how it goes in these events.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 15:04:47, 15/01/20
Unless he’s forced to retire I guess it’s John Kelly’s now. Eoin too far behind to catch him.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Warbler on 15:06:53, 15/01/20
That's a real shame. He was looking so strong and in good spirits on the FB video of him in Bellingham. Hope he's ok.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 15:10:18, 15/01/20
At the other end it looks like they will all beat the cut off in Middleton in Teesdale though in the past no one has finished who wasn't there by noon today.


Eoin is too far behind to catch up but an hour ago we would have said that there was no chance of him coming second.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Percy on 15:28:03, 15/01/20
Looking at the record times at each checkpoint am I right in thinking Jasmin took quite a long break at Byrness last year?


The record doesn’t appear to be in danger but John may end up regretting his navigation error coming out of Hawes.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 15:50:06, 15/01/20
Looking at the record times at each checkpoint am I right in thinking Jasmin took quite a long break at Byrness last year?


The record doesn’t appear to be in danger but John may end up regretting his navigation error coming out of Hawes.
She would only have been allowed 30 mins at that CP. Its not really record breaking weather especially when the bar was set so high last year.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 16:08:10, 15/01/20
Yes she was about 30 mins at Forest View. Joyce
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 16:13:41, 15/01/20
Shame about Jayson. Do we know why he retired - not that the distance, lack of sleep, weather Can be implicated... ;)


I wonder if John knows now that he has lost his tail. I’m not sure if the decision was made while he was still at Forest View.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 17:35:33, 15/01/20
Looks like the Barkley Marathon man has it in the bag, Eoin chilled out accepting 2nd place and the resurgent Simon Gfeller with Wouter Huitzing hot on his tails have broken away from Sabrina Verjee.Way further back having left Middleton there are a few that I have had company with during previous Spines.It is mind blowing when you think that the tailenders are just beyond halfway whilst the leader is only around 18 miles from the finish.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 17:37:13, 15/01/20
Shame about Jayson. Do we know why he retired -


Injury, don't know what
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 17:55:25, 15/01/20
Thanks for all the updates again, well done peeps  O0

Shame about Jayson it would have made for an exciting finish. It is really windy (very strong gusts) up in north Cumbria I wonder how windy it is up on the Cheviots?

Just checked mountain-forecast for Windy Gyle - 55mph at the moment dropping to 45mph later  :o
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:15:15, 15/01/20
John Kelly is really flying.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:23:39, 15/01/20
As John Kelly has got such a big lead why does he not go up and down the Cheviot and take the high route into KY so that he completes the full Pennine Way and therefore sets a new record!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:33:36, 15/01/20
As John Kelly has got such a big lead why does he not go up and down the Cheviot and take the high route into KY so that he completes the full Pennine Way and therefore sets a new record!

 ;D

John Kelly is really flying.

The wind might be helping him fly! It is coming from a south westerly direction so on this part of the border ridge at least it will be behind him. It will be more problematic as he descends from the Auchope Cairn.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:39:19, 15/01/20
It will be more problematic as he descends from the Auchope Cairn.
That bit down from Auchope Cairn is a real ankle breaker - but hopefully not.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 18:42:16, 15/01/20
He’s got about 5 hours to break the record - if my googling is correct. Can he do it? I don’t know the distance/terrain left - I just always remember how slow the dots move up the Schil!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:44:45, 15/01/20
I think he has to get to KY before 7.12 p.m. i.e. he won't this year.  The record is 83 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 18:50:50, 15/01/20
Ok. I saw his time taken as 78 hours but on reflection that is prob measured to Byrness.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:53:51, 15/01/20
That is correct, Sarah
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:25:05, 15/01/20
It is mind blowing when you think that the tailenders are just beyond halfway whilst the leader is only around 18 miles from the finish.
As of 2013, Kelly had never raced more than 10K.  :o

https://runningmagazine.ca/trail-running/barkley-finisher-leads-montane-spine-race-with-140k-to-go/ (https://runningmagazine.ca/trail-running/barkley-finisher-leads-montane-spine-race-with-140k-to-go/)

John Kelly is still at H2,been there a while.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 20:30:55, 15/01/20
Hope he’s ok there. Would there be a time limit there like at Burness? I don’t know if they get checked out medically at the interim checkpoints.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:34:09, 15/01/20
Been out for some power walking today in honour of those heroes out on the spine.
Gutted for jayson but he should be immensely proud of his achievements!!
John deserves the win after setting the pace for most of the race, watching episode 5 on fb its inspiring to watch him running down the forest tracks of redesdale forest(heading into byrness) shouting out in pain/anger/encouragement because he thought he was still been chased, amazing.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:36:23, 15/01/20
Hope he’s ok there. Would there be a time limit there like at Burness? I don’t know if they get checked out medically at the interim checkpoints.
I don't think so.It would be almost irrelevant at this stage of the race unless it was getting near to the finish time of the race,ie 0800 Sat.Medics will be in the hut and might pull him if they felt continuing would compromise his health and safety.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:42:35, 15/01/20
Looking at the top few trackers pings, looks like simon gfellar has been eeking out every last second over woulter, taking some pretty direct lines(if his tracker is to be believed). How keen are the organisers on keeping to the correct line??
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 20:53:29, 15/01/20
#200 taguchi minori losing about 40mins with a bit of too'in and fro'in just before slaggyford. Its fascinating the amount of info that we can have at a touch of a button, well done spine team!! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:56:04, 15/01/20
Certainly on the piece I looked at Wouter's track seems to follow the Pennine Way more accurately.  However Gfeller's track doesn't always follow the route through the forest/wooded areas - it would be almost impossible to take a shortcut there.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:59:17, 15/01/20
Hope he’s ok there. Would there be a time limit there like at Burness? I don’t know if they get checked out medically at the interim checkpoints.


No time limit, but it's a small hut with a few staff from a SST manning it. We pitched tents outside to leave more room for the spinners.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:02:39, 15/01/20

No time limit, but it's a small hut with a few staff from a SST manning it. We pitched tents outside to leave more room for the spinners.
Spent rather a comfy last night there on my pw, unbelievable how comfy them wooden benches are when your the walking dead!! Hes maybe finally having a bit o kip!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:37:36, 15/01/20
John Kelly on the move again!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 21:42:36, 15/01/20
Beefy and myself spent a night inside that hut when we did a 4 nighter in the Cheviots a couple of years ago. It was too windy to pitch a tent and the hut was a godsend.

I was hoping to get to bed at a reasonable time, looks like we will all have a very late night or miss the finish.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:43:20, 15/01/20
John Kelly on the move again!
The thought of a pint has gotten too much too resist!! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 21:45:53, 15/01/20
The thought of a pint has gotten too much too resist!! O0
You should be home in time if only one pint.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 21:54:19, 15/01/20
You should be home in time if only one pint.
Ha, i meant for john! ;D . hes not hanging about.
#139 huw davies. looks like the comfy chairs at horneystead have claimed their 1st victim!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 22:09:15, 15/01/20
The answer is VERY windy up in the Cheviots it is cold and wet even here in the valley John is welcome to the hills tonight.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:20:27, 15/01/20
He'll have to decide soon if he's going to take the more scenic high route or not
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 22:33:17, 15/01/20
The thought of a pint has gotten too much too resist!! O0
I am sure someone said he only drinks herbal tea.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 22:40:38, 15/01/20
Spent rather a comfy last night there on my pw, unbelievable how comfy them wooden benches are when your the walking dead!! Hes maybe finally having a bit o kip!!

Snap, me too  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:14:27, 15/01/20
Snap, me too  O0
That makes three of us.

 John Kelly is close to home.Only one more hurdle to clear........the Curse of David Dixon. ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 23:17:49, 15/01/20
That makes three of us.

 John Kelly is close to home.Only one more hurdle to clear........the Curse of David Dixon. ;)
Looks like he is really motoring towards the finish, hope he cracks a smile once at the finish interview!! Truly amazing effort!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:21:34, 15/01/20
I wish he'd get a bit more of a shift on, I've got a busy day tomorrow and need to get to bed!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 23:25:41, 15/01/20
I may have to go to bed before he finishes too.

I'm pleased he remembered his manners and said thank you to Joyce for the offer of mince and tatties at Byrness  ;)

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:35:36, 15/01/20
Stay up a bit longer April, he's nearly there.


My daughter has just worked out that he is closer to the end than walking from our house to the tube station and back.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 23:41:05, 15/01/20
I am trying to work out the time it will take but my tired brain won't work. How these runners do without so little sleep is beyond me
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:41:21, 15/01/20
 Is there a video of the finish?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 23:45:09, 15/01/20
It looks like Sabrina and Wouter are getting ready to leave Bellingham.


Come on Sabrina  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 23:46:39, 15/01/20
Is there a video of the finish?
Im hoping there will be something on the fb page!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 23:46:48, 15/01/20
Is there a video of the finish?

There is normally a live stream on the facebook page but it isn't showing as available at the moment.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:48:06, 15/01/20
I recon another 10 mins
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 23:48:34, 15/01/20
Looks likely he will just make it in time before midnight and before thursday!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 23:53:05, 15/01/20
 Taking his time,isn't he.Perhaps he is blowing kisses to the crowd. ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 23:54:51, 15/01/20
looks hes going to the bus stop like i did ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 23:56:07, 15/01/20
Congratulations John  O0

No live feed this year, I wonder why?

Good night everyone I'm away to bed
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:56:48, 15/01/20
Good night all


Live feed cut out.


Well done John
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 00:51:38, 16/01/20
Eoin has just left Byrness a nice suprise was pavel was with him filming him Eoin was in great form he even gave us a song.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:30:41, 16/01/20
Eoin has just left Byrness a nice suprise was pavel was with him filming him Eoin was in great form he even gave us a song.

Thanks for that info forest view  :) I wonder if pavel will be doing the spine next year?

I assume this is your last spine race at forest view? Enjoy your retirement  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:58:33, 16/01/20
Looks like Sabrina will be the first Brit to finish and 5th place as things stand at the mo.

The forecast for later today looks awful.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 09:26:16, 16/01/20
 Live streaming was very poor.All I got was a camera at 90 degrees and a lot of loud grunting. >:(

 The two Japanese runners have been very impressive,now in 6th and 7th places and always very cheerful when interviewed.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:29:42, 16/01/20
Looking like the last few who are still at dufton might have a struggle to get to alston cp, get sorted and have food before been turfed out at 10pm tonight! Cant imagine how hard it is chasing cut offs when your dead on your feet but very determined, hopefully one day ill find out.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:31:12, 16/01/20
Live streaming was very poor.All I got was a camera at 90 degrees and a lot of loud grunting. >:(

 The two Japanese runners have been very impressive,now in 6th and 7th places and always very cheerful when interviewed.
Was it worth staying up for?  ;D
The two japanese are in 7th and 8th, huw davies is in 6th.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 10:08:41, 16/01/20
Looking like the last few who are still at dufton might have a struggle to get to alston cp, get sorted and have food before been turfed out at 10pm tonight! Cant imagine how hard it is chasing cut offs when your dead on your feet but very determined, hopefully one day ill find out.
I remember one female runner arriving at Hawes CP a minute before cut-off and then having to eat a meal sitting in the rain in the street due to the CP closing.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 10:09:53, 16/01/20
I didn't stay up. I watched the footage of him touching the wall and then sitting down. He looked shattered and unemotional - yet he seemed to have a dry sense of humour. He explained that he had felt v cold at Hut2 and had stayed there to warm up - he was aware of what happened last year to Eugeni.


Eoin is away rom Hut2 and on the home straight. Game on for 3rd place.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 10:19:11, 16/01/20
Was it worth staying up for?  ;D

Yes,at least for pure comedy value. ;D 
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 10:45:12, 16/01/20
Yes,at least for pure comedy value. ;D
Yeah can imagine alot of americans been up early eagerly following his progress awaiting him finishing and the last they saw of him was he was running the wrong way!  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 10:50:41, 16/01/20
There is a Japanese film crew covering the race. They were filming here at Forest View this morning and I expect they will be back when the 2 Japanese runners come through later today although they have been filming all of the runners.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 11:21:47, 16/01/20
Surely the battle for 3rd will be them both crossing the line together? Simon is always trusted to finish and finish inside the top 5, wouter has done an awesome achievement. O0
My jinxing :-\  of the last guy on the road continues with rod tredgett retiring at dufton, massive effort to get there, should be proud!  
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 12:10:57, 16/01/20

The facebook page has just posted about Mountain Rescue being called out for a racer at High Cup Nick yesterday morning.  Seems like it was the lady I had posted about.  It sounds as though she’s thankfully ok though.

241 Kerry Sutton seems to have been stuck at High Cup Nick for 5 hours.  Hopefully just bivvying down and waiting for the sunrise and view! Though an hour or so ago it showed her heading north and back again very quickly as though in a helicopter.  Maybe the tracker is playing up.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:11:50, 16/01/20
Surely the battle for 3rd will be them both crossing the line together?
I'm not so sure, they have been running together for a long time but 3rd is a place, if they were coming in 7th that would be different.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 12:15:41, 16/01/20
Congratulations to Eoin who just finished in second place and still seems in high spirits
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 12:19:36, 16/01/20
I'm not so sure, they have been running together for a long time but 3rd is a place, if they were coming in 7th that would be different.
If thats the case then im going to egg for wouter!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 12:45:37, 16/01/20
Does anyone know how to refresh the map tracker page so that it stays at the place you are on? Everyone time I refresh, it heads way back and I end up scrolling up and it really annoys me!!! >:( ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 13:00:27, 16/01/20
Does anyone know how to refresh the map tracker page so that it stays at the place you are on? Everyone time I refresh, it heads way back and I end up scrolling up and it really annoys me!!! >:( ;D
Just zoom out,go to the place you want and then zoom in again.Its far easier than scrolling.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:31:04, 16/01/20
If theres to be a battle for 3rd then its going to be a 100m dash.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 15:35:09, 16/01/20
Looks like it - they are within spitting distance now!

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 15:43:48, 16/01/20
If theres to be a battle for 3rd then its going to be a 100m dash.
Yes, I have to take back what I said before. Not sure what the winners get but if they are different medals to the other competitors I hope they have 2 bronze ones.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 15:45:56, 16/01/20
It is good to see that everyone is over Cross Fell and on the long downhill to Alston.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 15:46:07, 16/01/20
I don't think you were unreasonable in your assumption Ridge. Im wanting to see them arriving now. Fingers crossed for a livestream.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 15:53:13, 16/01/20
Looks like Simon by 30 seconds but I guess that is just the time it takes to check them in.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 15:54:20, 16/01/20
They have finished together both touching the wall at the same time - true camaraderie. I couldn't see if the medals were bronze or simply finishers.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 15:55:28, 16/01/20
Looks like Simon by 30 seconds but I guess that is just the time it takes to check them in.
They crossed the line together and touched the wall together! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 16:03:28, 16/01/20
Got home after what felt like an awful journey to see Simon and Wouter arrive in, immediately didn't feel like my journey was so bad
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:07:57, 16/01/20
They crossed the line together and touched the wall together! O0
.......and VAR said Simon had got it! ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 16:45:34, 16/01/20
Got home after what felt like an awful journey to see Simon and Wouter arrive in, immediately didn't feel like my journey was so bad
They've walked over 430km, feeling inspired?
Though they probably didn't have other people moaning at them the whole time.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 17:12:25, 16/01/20
I’ve just checked our schedule and when John Kelly was crossing the finish line last night and all the others still standing (or walking/running!) were well over halfway, I would have been tucked up in bed at Ponden with just over 50 miles completed  ;D  Makes me realise just what an achievement it is for all of them.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 18:07:34, 16/01/20
Hi RidgeDaughter - I remember you form last year. Nice to see you again!


The first woman Sabrina seems to have taken the wrong route off the Schil. Hopefully she'll realise her mistake and contour round - or does she need to retrace her steps? I can't see that the way she has gone has been advantageous...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:28:36, 16/01/20
Yes, she's made a bit of a blunder there - looks as if she might have found a path which will take her back on to the route, but it involves some re-ascent. Not welcome, I'm sure!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:34:06, 16/01/20
Thanks for the running commentary folks...defo taking hols for this next year, I have missed most of the important dot watching  :D

I wonder if Sabrina thought she was at the Black Hag turn off?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 18:44:24, 16/01/20


I wonder if Sabrina thought she was at the Black Hag turn off?


Possibly, back on track now. I’ve often wondered why the Spiners use the low route there? I remember White
Law as being a bit of a killer just before getting into Kirk Yetholm ( and cursing my hubby for insisting we take the high route!)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 18:52:58, 16/01/20
I've only been over White Law north to south. I remember that part was all ups and downs; too much for the spine racers maybe? The official spine race route takes the low level route, are they allowed to the high route if they want to?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:11:02, 16/01/20
I really can't imagine anyone wanting to!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 19:15:20, 16/01/20
Me neither  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 19:15:55, 16/01/20
I've only been over White Law north to south. I remember that part was all ups and downs; too much for the spine racers maybe? The official spine race route takes the low level route, are they allowed to the high route if they want to?

No, they need to stay on route, or as close as they can.  If they make a nav error they need to get back on route as soon as possible.  If race control feel they've gained an advantage then they'll add a time penalty.  In this case I can't see that happening.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 19:29:49, 16/01/20
Thanks sussanb  :)

I've just watched the vid of John Kelly, he does have a dry sense of humour  :)

I am smiling at his pronunciation of Bellingham. For those that don't know it is pronounced Bellingjam.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 19:34:21, 16/01/20
Thanks for the clarification sussamb.
Gordon  bennet, she’s off track again! Seriously I hope she is ok and not too delirious from lack of sleep etc
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 19:59:00, 16/01/20
She must be shattered, she is nearly there now. I hope the live stream works, I got nowt at all, last night when John finished.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 20:07:21, 16/01/20
live now april!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 20:10:18, 16/01/20
Well done Sabrina  O0

The live stream didn't want to play lol. It froze before she touched the wall, I will watch it later.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 20:14:35, 16/01/20
I've seen the vid now. What an achievement, 5th place and first Brit to finish  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:17:20, 16/01/20
What an achievement, 5th place and first Brit to finish  :)
O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:24:27, 16/01/20
I've seen the vid now. What an achievement, 5th place and first Brit to finish  :)

That's two years running, first Brit to finish being a female, girl power  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 20:45:47, 16/01/20
That's two years running, first Brit to finish being a female, girl power  O0


 O0 O0 :D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 20:47:57, 16/01/20
 Yes,well done Sabrina.I thought for one horrible minute she was about to join the Dixie/Eugeni club.
 The second Japanese runner seems to have spent hours on Brownrigg head.Surely the organisers could have used the road and avoided this section which is like a swamp in normal conditions.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 22:10:04, 16/01/20
I am smiling at his pronunciation of Bellingham. For those that don't know it is pronounced Bellingjam.
We only found that out when we arrived at our B&B there!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 22:40:45, 16/01/20
Loads of places in Northumberland with the silent h in Ham, the g pronounced as a J and the am as um. Whittingham, Eglingham, Edlingham
I was told that it was to do with standardisation of letters for the printing presses. Hence we often see the word YE where the Y Was a simplified replacement of the saxon/english letter which was actually pronounced th. Ergo YE and the are the same word and both pronounced the same.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 23:04:00, 16/01/20
During lambing the farmers put up hand painted signs saying `slow ye down`on the roads over the MOD land
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:17:51, 17/01/20
Loads of places in Northumberland with the silent h in Ham, the g pronounced as a J and the am as um. Whittingham, Eglingham, Edlingham

Aye, Bellinjum but be a better way of explaining how it is said, thanks jimbob  :) Does watching the Spine race when it gets to Northumberland make you homesick Jim? I get homesick when they are going over the border ridge. We must go back there in the next few months, easier now I have a car.

I am pleased the man behind the microphone pronounced Cheviots correctly, two years ago a man giving the commentary was not and I was shouting "CHEEVIOTS" at my computer every time he said it incorrectly  ;D

Well done Debbie, I see Taro overtook her before the finish. I went to bed at 11 last night and thought he might, he was gaining ground on her when I went to bed. Well done Huw  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 07:20:15, 17/01/20
During lambing the farmers put up hand painted signs saying `slow ye down`on the roads over the MOD land

 :)

The Cumbrian equivalent is "Tek care lambs ont road"
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:23:25, 17/01/20
There is getting to be quite a crowd at Kirk Yetholm.
The cut off at Bellingham is midnight so all the remaining walkers look like that at least have a chance of making it.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:36:51, 17/01/20
There are 3 off route just north of Hadrians Wall
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 08:46:14, 17/01/20
I remember that first bit of forest after the wall as being quite boggy, maybe they’re trying to get round it, though others have managed.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:48:38, 17/01/20
106 has come back, he was quite a way off.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 08:57:46, 17/01/20
256 is also off, hope he recovers quickly.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:08:02, 17/01/20
256 is also off, hope he recovers quickly.
Theres a bothy there at haughton green, must have gone for a sleep maybe!! Stopped there on my way north, awesome place.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:13:21, 17/01/20
Zooming in his (256) tracker is in a building but 192 isn't there but perhaps she turned her tracker off before it had time to update.
Updated tracker at 9.14 256 still in the building where he has been since c. 08.30.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 09:26:43, 17/01/20
164 and 136 seem to have gone off route at the back as well, although they are going in the right direction
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 09:40:14, 17/01/20
Theres a bothy there at haughton green, must have gone for a sleep maybe!! Stopped there on my way north, awesome place.

True, that could be it, I'd forgotten about that bothy.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:42:04, 17/01/20
Looks like 164 and 136 are returning to pick up the correct path.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:45:41, 17/01/20
Looks like 164 and 136 are returning to pick up the correct path.
Maybe went to the cafe in greenhead, or t pub or hostel. maybe rang ahead for a bacon bap. O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 09:49:09, 17/01/20
Looking at his trace with him cutting it short down the good track towards a69, maybe a toilet stop in the hostel if his tracker is accurate. he went past the cafe and pub towards about where the hostel is. ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 10:54:52, 17/01/20
Does watching the Spine race when it gets to Northumberland make you homesick Jim? I get homesick when they are going over the border ridge. We must go back there in the next few months, easier now I have a car.
I get up home very often now I am totally retired. My kids (adults yeh, but they'll always be my kids) still live up there, we're hoping to move back up soon(ish).

I am from the North of the County, went South to get to school in Scotland. Very few people naturally understand that. Same as they don't understand that Hadrians wall us not a border between Scotland and England.

Those runners are something else though how many people can withstand plodging through all the glar and mire, hour after hour.

They be mads I tells yer.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:03:19, 17/01/20
Zooming in his (256) tracker is in a building but 192 isn't there but perhaps she turned her tracker off before it had time to update.
Updated tracker at 9.14 256 still in the building where he has been since c. 08.30.
256 tracker has "woken up" after a 150 minutes rest. 192 now woken up as well so presumably they will be on their way soon.
Edit: They are on their way albeit via another path although they will have walked more than the direct route on th PW and have had a safe rest in the bothy.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:38:08, 17/01/20
What is happening to 258? 137 went that way as well and then doubled back.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:46:51, 17/01/20
I guess in their sleep deprived state that if the person in front makes an error you probably follow them.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:50:39, 17/01/20
Both back on track.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 13:04:49, 17/01/20
Now 128 off course just at the start of the forest beyond the wall.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:19:17, 17/01/20
Now 128 off course just at the start of the forest beyond the wall.
I thought that he may have a thought of retiring and going back another way.  But it appears that he is retracing his steps.  When he got to the track going into the forest, in his tired state, he turned left instead of right.
I really feel for him, I know how I feel when I am temporarily misplaced for a while - the only consequence for me is getting my shower and a beer a little late!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:23:31, 17/01/20
Horneystead must be looking after the contestants as they all seem to stop there for a while!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 13:52:20, 17/01/20
128 off course again unless there is a diversion because of standing water.  Now doubling back again.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 14:30:43, 17/01/20
Although I have total respect and am in awe of all the competitors, it’s about now in the race that I really start to feel for those at the back of the race who will struggle to finish or those who have to retire near the end. Though it does look as though the back ones may not be timed out, some may still be forced to retire through fatigue or injury. 
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 14:49:13, 17/01/20
Although I have total respect and am in awe of all the competitors, it’s about now in the race that I really start to feel for those at the back of the race who will struggle to finish or those who have to retire near the end. Though it does look as though the back ones may not be timed out, some may still be forced to retire through fatigue or injury.
The ones I feel sorry for are those who retire at Torside or Harrop Dale on day one through injury.It must be soul destroying paying the best part of £1000 to do a half-day walk in the peak District.For some it works out at the best part of £60 per mile.At least those at the end have had their monies worth even if they do have to retire.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 14:53:09, 17/01/20
The ones I feel sorry for are those who retire at Torside or Harrop Dale on day one through injury.It must be soul destroying paying the best part of £1000 to do a half-day walk in the peak District.For some it works out at the best part of £60 per mile.At least those at the end have had their monies worth even if they do have to retire.
Yes that’s true. It’s easy to forget about them as it seems so long ago now, but you’re right that must be heartbreaking after so much training and preparation as well.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 16:09:02, 17/01/20
Another pair, 153 & 164, have gone wrong in the forest north of Hadrian's Wall, it is obviously really easy to miss the right fork and just carry on.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 16:21:37, 17/01/20
Another pair, 153 & 164, have gone wrong in the forest north of Hadrian's Wall, it is obviously really easy to miss the right fork and just carry on.
Back on track now.I should imagine its down to tiredness and fatigue at this point.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 17:40:05, 17/01/20
All still on the route should finish now baring injuries etc. When I finished in 2014, I arrived at Bellingham around 6.30pm and left there at 2.30am the following morning. We then had 40 miles to reach Kirk Yetholm by 8am the morning after. We finished with 9 hours to spare, after a moving time of 18 hours, 3 hour bivvy and 2 hours in the refuge huts.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 18:04:31, 17/01/20
Interesting looking at the stats, that for the last leg from Byrness, John Kelly has been the slowest of those that have finished so far, and Sabrina the second slowest.


I know, I need to get a life!  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:41:01, 17/01/20
128 going slightly off course just short of Bellingham.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 18:47:16, 17/01/20
Interesting looking at the stats, that for the last leg from Byrness, John Kelly has been the slowest of those that have finished so far, and Sabrina the second slowest.


I know, I need to get a life!  ;D


I think he rested for a good while in Hut2 - something about needing to warm up. And realistically, he had the luxury at that stage of knowing that no one was going to catch him.


Anyway, if you could prepare the statistical analyse of all first men/women in and the duration from Byrness to KY we'd be grateful !  :D ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:50:05, 17/01/20
I would be more interested in how long every competitor spent resting/asleep either at the formal check points or elsewhere.  No rush tomorrow would be good.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 18:52:23, 17/01/20
128 going slightly off course just short of Bellingham.
No problem, he has gone the long way round.  A good rest at Bellingham should revitalised him but he needs to be out by midnight.
The ones at the back should reach Bellingham before the cut off but unlikely to get more than 2/3 hours rest.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 19:28:40, 17/01/20
I would be more interested in how long every competitor spent resting/asleep either at the formal check points or elsewhere.  No rush tomorrow would be good.


(Quote. Anyway, if you could prepare the statistical analyse of all first men/women in and the duration from Byrness to KY we'd be grateful !  )


Haha no chance!
Just realised I don’t know how to put two quotes on my post so I’m obviously not that techy!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 19:35:10, 17/01/20
Oops 235 and 124 headed off towards Mounthooly instead of the Schil after Hut 2. Just about back on track now though.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 20:12:52, 17/01/20
The last 5 are moving so painfully slowly, I hope that they are OK.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:15:22, 17/01/20
I am pleased that they are all together.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:18:37, 17/01/20
There are 14 resting at Bellingham so they should all end up having company when they leave before midnight all the way to Byrness where they have to leave by midday tomorrow.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 21:36:49, 17/01/20
we are expecting to be busy about 1am. and again at about 2am. it depends when the large group leaves Bellingham but I am not anticipating seeing much of my bed tonight how exciting. It has been a great Spine race and all the better as it was an event that I hadn`t expected to be a part of this year. We only found out that due to technical difficulties with Forest Views sale that Colin and I would be hosting checkpoint 5.5 about 3 days after the runners had left Edale. 
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 21:55:19, 17/01/20
The last 5 are moving so painfully slowly, I hope that they are OK.
Its quite a climb up to shytlington crags.From the top its downhill and then along the road to Bellingham so they should make it in the next hour or so.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:06:06, 17/01/20
We only found out that due to technical difficulties with Forest Views sale that Colin and I would be hosting checkpoint 5.5 about 3 days after the runners had left Edale.
Hope all is going OK Joyce and it is just a minor blip.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:36:43, 17/01/20
I've been following 128 today and he has been at Bellingham since c. 19.00 so hopefully he has some bit of a rest before he has to leave for Byrness and into Joyce & Colin's care.  I guess that it will him take c. 6 hours providing that he is suitably rested, hopefully he will leave with others so that they can motivate each other and help with navigating the way.  Good luck - see you tomorrow.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:39:48, 17/01/20
Well that is everyone safely at Bellingham or, as Ridgedaughter just called it, Belling-jam.


I have recently discovered that Ridgedaughter reads my posts on the forum all year. I had assumed she only read it when the Spine Race was on. This means that;


1 I must be careful what I write in future.
2 I have the chance to embarrass her all year not just for 1 week in January.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 23:04:23, 17/01/20
I've got to find out how you're doing on the Pennine Way this year somehow. Glad to see everyone's made it to Bellingham on time, hope they can get some rest before they move on.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 07:57:22, 18/01/20
Well done 128, nearly at Byrness - I kept waking up during the night wondering how you were getting on. 
Did the "backmarkers" sit outside the Bellingham check point after they booked in as they appear to have left after the cut-off time. They will have trouble getting to Byrness before the cut-off at midday.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:30:26, 18/01/20

Of the last 3 Lisa and Paul, but not Thomas, have 60 bonus minutes, though I don't know why and what effect this has on cut off times.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 08:39:55, 18/01/20
I'll be interested to hear the 60 mins explanation if it appears.
I'm out and about today - so not as much dot watching for the pack. initially the focus os on the leaders, but when I looked back over the field - there were lots of hardy souls still there and they need all our support too. Those final fee are a worry...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 08:48:07, 18/01/20
From Facebook:- "Two runners (Lisa and Paul) have a one-hour extension to their race following them assisting another runner earlier in the race."
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 08:52:15, 18/01/20
Thanks harland, I guess that must push on the cut off times but Thomas will really have to shift.

Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:06:44, 18/01/20
Nothing to do with the race but does anyone know what the strange circle is about 6km east of Byrness at, what I'm going to call, 825 017.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:17:01, 18/01/20
It is a tank range from my 1:25000 OS map. Not very big but with cutbacks perhaps our tanks are smaller nowadays. But it is part of a much larger Artillery Range.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:29:19, 18/01/20
Thanks


I think the last 3 have about 6.75 miles or 11 km to go before their cutoffs at 12.00 and 1.00. It is going to be tough.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:38:29, 18/01/20
The guy I am watching 128 took 3 hours from where they are to get to Byrness so, if they walk at his speed, they would get there about 12.30 however it has taken them about 2.5 hours longer to get to where they are now so it could be "more than tight" unless they speed up.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:55:41, 18/01/20
By my very rough measuring they have, amazingly, done 1.25 miles in half an hour. If they can keep that up then Lisa and Paul would be OK but we would loose Thomas from the 3 amigos.


I must stop now dot watching and go and do other things, see you all later.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:34:30, 18/01/20
Looks like a few of them have cut across the top of the Roman Camp at Chew Green, wonder if Race Control have noticed  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 10:52:08, 18/01/20
There is no good reason to go this way, apart from it is shorter or followed the guy in front.  Certainly quicker.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 10:55:23, 18/01/20
It is a tank range from my 1:25000 OS map. Not very big but with cutbacks perhaps our tanks are smaller nowadays. But it is part of a much larger Artillery Range.
It is worth changing the view to "aerial" and then zoom in to look at where the tanks "hide themselves" and then the surrounding land where there appear to be areas where the shells have landed as well as other emplacements.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:06:35, 18/01/20
They've flown in the last hour, if they can keep this up then Thomas may just scrape in by 12.00.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 11:14:20, 18/01/20
Thomas seems to have pulled away from the other two as well
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 11:14:38, 18/01/20
Thomas obviously knows that it is tight so he has dropped the other two but he needs to be in and out of Byrness by midday - fingers crossed for him and then he has 20 hours to get to KY.  If he can keep this up he will by at Byrness with 20 minutes to spare so that Colin/Joyce can get some food down him - not sure that Colin will have time to clean his boots/shoes!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:18:34, 18/01/20
Yes the other 2 should be OK to get there for 1.00 but Thomas is flying, how he has put on this turn of speed after all these miles is miraculous. It is amazing what the thought of a plate of mince and potatoes at Forest View can do.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 11:24:51, 18/01/20
If I was him I would wait for the other two "outside" Forest View after checking in and then tackle the final leg, most of which will be overnight, as a group.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:27:56, 18/01/20
Yes, I think that would be their best plan. Food outside in the sunshine and then onward together.


E2A HALF A MILE TO GO, COME ON THOMAS!!!!!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 11:34:25, 18/01/20
I must admit I didn't think he had a chance a couple of hours ago.  Made of strong stuff!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:41:21, 18/01/20
and he's made it!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 11:46:34, 18/01/20
I think they will make it as the trackers seem to show they are running.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 11:47:48, 18/01/20
It was a misunderstanding I don`t think that he realised that the other 2 had `earned an extra hour. As soon as he realised he started to run and got here with just enough time to allow checks and get some hot food inside before the `cut`. This race just keeps on giving what an incredible bunch of athletes. Joyce
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:51:20, 18/01/20
Only 2 more Joyce and then you can have a break.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 11:56:33, 18/01/20
What is happening to 101, having checked in at Byrness he has gone beyond the track UP and gone to the hotel for a beer!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 11:57:20, 18/01/20
Yes we haven`t been to bed since Tuesday night quick shower then some sleep.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 11:58:27, 18/01/20
101 is a bit late there hasn`t been a hotel there for years.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 11:59:10, 18/01/20
What is happening to 101, having checked in at Byrness he has gone beyond the track UP and gone to the hotel for a beer!
164 is with him.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 12:00:50, 18/01/20
They have taken the wrong track they must have missed the gate with the acorn on it.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:01:25, 18/01/20
101 is a bit late there hasn`t been a hotel there for years.
Obviously Colin's beers put them out of business!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 12:04:14, 18/01/20
The leader board show Lisa checked in and presumably still in the race.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:06:36, 18/01/20
Lisa and Paul have made it, and before 12.00 too.


Now just a short walk out of Byrness on the dry and virtually flat path through the forest and a quick skip over the Cheviots and they are home and dry. A mere 30 miles in 20 hours.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:13:42, 18/01/20
Thomas 189 has gone off by himself, perhaps their pace isn't comfortable for him unless he doesn't want to finish last so he is trying to get a gap of an hour over the other two - I would settle to both finish and be last!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:16:17, 18/01/20
or perhaps he doesn't want to be in the position again where he is with people who have an extra hour than he does.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:17:39, 18/01/20
Sorry I edited my post before reading yours!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 12:22:23, 18/01/20
Sorry I edited my post before reading yours!
No problem.
I'm not sure he wants to beat them but he will want to beat the clock.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:34:51, 18/01/20
Paul and Lisa now on the move. Colin do the washing up before going to bed.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 12:54:20, 18/01/20
Thomas is taking his time getting up Byrness Hill - perhaps it is a little muddy! ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 14:21:50, 18/01/20
Thomas has overtaken Martin and Peter, he's really flying now
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:41:17, 18/01/20
I would be a bit annoyed now if I was Thomas 298 as Peter 101 & Martin 164 have taken the shortcut past the Chew Green Roman Camps and he will be able to see them over his left shoulder if he looks round.  Paul 198 and Lisa 262 about 50 minutes behind 298 are going the correct way.  Darkness is not far away for the last time.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 16:49:58, 18/01/20
If you go on the tracking page and click on Spine Race where it lists the CPs, under some of the competitors it has bonus or penalty minutes. A couple of the ones with penalty mins took the shortcut at Chew Green so could be for that?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 16:56:38, 18/01/20
The last 2 have headed the right way.
What time do we think that they will have to have left the hut to be in with a chance of finishing, they won't make it if they are much after midnight will they?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 17:11:10, 18/01/20
What is it, about 7 miles from Hut 2 from memory? I guess by now they may be a bit slower than us mere mortals. The current last man to finish took about 3 hours (though in daylight) and current last woman about 4 hours. Assuming they will be a bit slower midnight should be ample time.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:16:23, 18/01/20
I thought that with 21 miles to go to KY and 15 + 1 hours to the cut-off they should be OK IF they don't need to sleep.
But when they left Byrness at about 13.00 they had about 19 + 1 = 20 hours to walk c.27 miles so they have walked 6 miles in 4 hours albeit they had to get up Byrness Hill so I'm now not so sure if they need a rest.  Fingers crossed.

The last guy that finished took 11 hours from where they are at the moment.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 17:46:48, 18/01/20
They had about a 3 hour stop at Bellingham (about 22.30 last night) and 3 at Alston (but that was 2 days ago).  I can't make my mind up but believe they know what they are doing so I am going to be positive that they and everyone else still walking will get within the time limit.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 19:07:49, 18/01/20
I agree, if they don't injure themselves they are in with a really good chance of completing.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 19:19:10, 18/01/20
Peter 101 and Martin 164 at Hut 1.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 19:52:36, 18/01/20
Thomas is going some. He has gained ground on Alan Cormack.
 6 recently over the Schil and on the home stretch.
In total awe of all competitors- amazing performances!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:09:28, 18/01/20
Peter 101 and Martin 164 at Hut 1.
Paul 198 and Lisa 262 have joined them although 101 and 164 have just left.
20.54 Paul & Lisa on the move.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:04:03, 18/01/20
136 and 189 wandering at Windy Gyle
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: jimbob on 23:15:49, 18/01/20
164 seems to be following them.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 23:27:18, 18/01/20
Seriously off route now. They must be disorientated in the dark. After Thomas ‘ sterling efforts to get back on track today too. Did you see his emotional video clip when he was racing to get to Byrness?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:35:16, 18/01/20
It looks like they have stopped so hopefully they are sorting out their route.


Yes Sarah, really emotional vid of Thomas.


I should be going to bed but can't leave them there.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 23:42:46, 18/01/20
I thought 164 was going back on track but now he and 101 are heading wrong way again. I wonder if they can see Thomas and Alan’s headtorches? Let’s hope they are ok and you are right that they are stopped because they realise they are off route. Are you familiar with the terrain there?


I am in bed - but can’t put the iPad down...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:43:24, 18/01/20
I THINK that they are on their way back, they should either collect 164 and 101 or it may be that they were attracting them back.


Don't know there at all, ask me in July!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 23:48:06, 18/01/20
I THINK that they are on their way back, they should either collect 164 and 101 or it may be that they were attracting them back.


Don't know there at all, ask me in July!


Wow! Lucky you! Are you all booked and planned?


I hope they are on their way up - the trackers are not updating much so it’s hard to tell.


Edited to say the trackers have now updated and they are heading back. As you say they should collect 101 and 164 en route.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 23:49:34, 18/01/20
Definitely coming back up.


Bed time now but setting my alarm for the morning.


Yes, all booked, start 20th July from Edale, the same day as the summer Spine race.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 23:51:10, 18/01/20
So are you doing Fusion or Flare?! ;)  You will be able to pick up some tips...
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 00:07:40, 19/01/20
Are you familiar with the terrain there?


The navigation is quite clear at that point.Should be a clear night as well so hopefully they can see the torches on the ridge.They seem to have sorted themselves out and are now heading back to the ridge.258 also seems to be slightly off route.For all we know they could be suffering from hallucinations through lack of sleep.I should have said navigation is quite clear for most people walking the Pennine Way rather than ones who have ran it in under 7 days with little sleep.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 00:13:30, 19/01/20
 128 is finishing via the high level route.Not too sure it was part of his plan as he got lost yesterday!
 258 is now further from the ridge and descending.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 00:15:35, 19/01/20
I’ve seen on FB that 258 is comfortable and being taken off by the safety & rescues teams. Checking his stats he was at Byrness at 5am Sat morning and so ha staken a long time to travel the intervening miles.  Indicating perhaps that not all is well. So near and yet so far.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: RidgeDaughter on 00:21:13, 19/01/20
158 also seems to have taken the wrong path, I hope he can get back on track, he's close to the end now.

Edit, just read he's taking the high path, hope he knows that
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 00:27:06, 19/01/20
158 also seems to have taken the wrong path, I hope he can get back on track, he's close to the end now.

Edit, just read he's taking the high path, hope he knows that
I think he's realised his mistake and is now descending to the valley route.The high level path would be very tiring.

 Bit rough  for 258 but at least he is safe.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 07:09:24, 19/01/20
The last few not far from the finish and should be there just before the cut off. Thomas start running again!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 07:26:03, 19/01/20
Looks like they should all be OK  :)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 07:49:22, 19/01/20
Brilliant.


Back to bed for me.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 07:49:48, 19/01/20
Well that is that for another year.  Well done to all competitors (and to dot-watchers!).
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 08:50:32, 19/01/20
I just watched the video of the final five arriving. Looking at the frost out there, that must have been a cold night. I’m not sure how much they all stuck together, but I think it’d be tough without company.
As ever, brilliant!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 09:09:25, 19/01/20
So are you doing Fusion or Flare?! ;)  You will be able to pick up some tips...
Surely you mean that I will be able to give them some tips.  ;)


At least starting just after them we wont be passed by hundreds of lycra clad athletes as I wheeze my way up Jacobs Ladder.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 09:23:01, 19/01/20
Missed most of the finish as had family visiting over the weekend, but fantastic effort by the tail enders  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 09:39:02, 19/01/20
63 finishers (54 male 9 female), 83 retired.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 11:59:20, 19/01/20
Full Spine race results, all runners:-146 Started, 63 finished - 44%, 83 Retired - 56%
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 18:18:43, 19/01/20
I would love to see one of their rucksacks unpacked. I was out today with just a bottle of water and a spare fleece and I'm sure my pack was as big as some of theirs.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 20:02:05, 19/01/20
I would love to see one of their rucksacks unpacked. I was out today with just a bottle of water and a spare fleece and I'm sure my pack was as big as some of theirs.


Yes looking at the compulsory kit list I don’t know how they can possibly fit it all in!


Well done to all who competed. Just checked my screen time for the last week, it was only up by 13% which was quite a surprise.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: forest view on 11:24:18, 20/01/20
It would be interesting to add up all of the charity donations on the 150+ just giving pages etc. to work out the impact on the charity sector from just this one event. I bet the numbers are huge and a vast array of brilliant charities will have benefited.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 19:40:45, 20/01/20
Thank you for the running commentary of the last couple of days, folks  O0

I felt like I was dot watching with you when I was belatedly reading your posts  :)



Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 20:16:06, 20/01/20
Thank you for the running commentary of the last couple of days, folks  O0

I felt like I was dot watching with you when I was belatedly reading your posts  :)
It made it much more enjoyable for me to have other "dot watchers" to "chat" with and for them to point me in the direction of things I was missing.  Surprising really how involved I could get, perhaps having walked it twice I can almost retrace my steps with them and persuading myself NOT that "I could do that"! :-[
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 20:55:13, 24/01/20
For the dot watchers, Eoin's blog with some interesting observations on Eugeni  ;)


https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/2020/01/23/the-spine-race-2020/?fbclid=IwAR0Yvf7T9bnJS_5SHgBONnSk2kXtXgH9MamgyblYJ9RVUMD6_rIHg_F9igU (https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/2020/01/23/the-spine-race-2020/?fbclid=IwAR0Yvf7T9bnJS_5SHgBONnSk2kXtXgH9MamgyblYJ9RVUMD6_rIHg_F9igU)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 22:02:27, 24/01/20
Thanks for posting the above.  A very good read with amazing recall of his adventure.  I didn't realise he was, in his words, "well beyond my 50th birthday".
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 13:40:47, 25/01/20
Very interesting report, thanks for the link sussamb.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Islandplodder on 15:15:27, 25/01/20
Enjoyed reading that, thanks for posting the link. You could really follow him up the route, and visualise where he was at each stage. It made me want to do the Pennine Way again, walking though, and sleeping at night! 
I think one of the things I like about the Spine Race is that the competitors aren't in their first youth. It's nice to think that there is a sport where you aren't looking to retire at 30!  The blog really brought out the tactical side of the race, and the value of experience.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 21:40:30, 04/02/20
John Kelly now posted his blog https://randomforestrunner.com/2020/01/2020-the-spine-race/?fbclid=IwAR2Ny44TPlV1fIcBADvtUKVA50Vb3D3-GyJ2A--rVAhLrZxPn8Rln__xHtE
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: harland on 16:13:02, 05/02/20
Another really good read from an athlete, I still can't work out how they remember so much when they are in a "zombie like" state!
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 16:28:23, 05/02/20
Very interesting, particularly his comments about the kit list. Don't know how he was managing with a 17l pack.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 12:45:31, 06/02/20
Good read. I chuckled at the bit when he said he had a wander around Thirlwall Castle!  As though he didn't have a race to win!


It would be good to read a blog of someone who finished the race towards the back, to compare.  Anyone have any links?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 14:30:32, 06/02/20
Try Peter Gold's report if you like a light hearted read, great character, we were both in the same SST last year and he has a great sense of humour.  The reference to The Final Frontier is because we nicknamed him Captain Picard as he looks like Patrick Stewart

https://medium.com/trailtales/spinerace/home
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 17:57:51, 06/02/20
Thanks for that sussamb. That was certainly a different, very entertaining read! I wonder if the Canadian has read it. I had to check to see if Richard finished, I see he unfortunately didn’t.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 19:08:17, 06/02/20
Like Ridge - I have no idea how the winner managed to fit the compulsory kit in that tiny running vest. And from his account of adding layers when en route, it sounds like he had extra items in it... His account also betrays his attitude to Eugeni - similar theme to Jasmin Paris' blog.


I started reading Peter Gold's report - quite different! But I got blocked after the first section - seemingly I have to register/sign in.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: April on 21:31:21, 06/02/20
I've just read John Kellys blog, thanks for the link Sussamb  O0

It was a great read, he does have a great sense of humour. I think he can be forgiven for thinking Hadrian Wall is the border between England and Scotland  ;)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 22:44:26, 06/02/20
I started reading Peter Gold's report - quite different! But I got blocked after the first section - seemingly I have to register/sign in.
That happened to me too but I went to the home page and opened it from there ok.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Ridge on 22:54:44, 06/02/20
I read Peter's report OK.
Do you think he was still sleep deprived when he wrote it?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 07:02:32, 07/02/20
No, that's just his style  ;D
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 13:00:00, 11/02/20
Just found another blog, not read it yet though — Patricia Patterson, 3rd lady

https://www.hidden-strength.com/through-the-pain-the-2020-spine-race/ (https://www.hidden-strength.com/through-the-pain-the-2020-spine-race/)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 16:44:04, 11/02/20
Amazing grit to get her through that race  O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 10:11:22, 24/02/20
Here is Shelli Gordon's story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taz3PzcGpFw&fbclid=IwAR3m-MYsmIImDeVqExgu-SxmmdoPCBDMXCubjCzWjIUYmUsgcy0a27wjxOQ

Had to loan her my sleeping bag at Bellingham CP as she was very hypothermic, it even stars in the film!  It was touch and go whether she would be allowed to leave but thankfully she was able to carry on.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Yorkshiremarv on 14:53:15, 24/02/20
WOW, thats rather emotional! Reading these blogs and seeing these vlogs just makes me realise how small my lifes circle is and that it opens yours eyes to see how much more we can do! I cant get enough of reading these spine race blogs more more more! O0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: Slogger on 16:44:53, 24/02/20
WOW, thats rather emotional! Reading these blogs and seeing these vlogs just makes me realise how small my lifes circle is and that it opens yours eyes to see how much more we can do! I cant get enough of reading these spine race blogs more more more! O0
Well you asked for it, my first one of 5 in 2013, I got within 16 miles of the finish but the weather prevented a finish. 2014 I finished.http://sloggersspineracejan2013.blogspot.com/ (http://sloggersspineracejan2013.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 19:30:06, 26/02/20
https://sway.office.com/iU1GBM2EDL53sunr?ref=Link&fbclid=IwAR0I8a8bQ8FKXAgjnyZdIKBC8c2IqZZrdDtT5QPU7WnA5w72k4ZuJM0_jH0
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 07:13:06, 15/04/20
For those needing something to read during lockdown Wouter has just published his report on his Spine race


https://www.acceptnolimits.eu/race-report-the-spine-race-2020/?fbclid=IwAR1aVzyrPjw7XkH3uJKgvIEUzBeHRkcp_1RgvRFgtemlcjUi_2_bH55-WAI
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: rural roamer on 15:51:20, 19/04/20
Thanks sussamb just caught up with that. Good write up.  I guess the summer races will be off?
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 16:40:35, 19/04/20
Yes  :(
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: tonyk on 18:20:32, 19/04/20
Thanks sussamb just caught up with that. Good write up.  I guess the summer races will be off?
They could still do the race.The competitors could run on a treadmill for seven days with three hours sleep a night.The one who covers the greatest distance is the winner.
Title: Re: unofficial montane spine/challenger
Post by: sussamb on 19:05:17, 19/04/20
 ;D O0