Claire Bannwarth wins the Montane Winter Spine Women's Race 2024

Claire Bannwarth has made Spine history by becoming one of very few athletes ever to have successfully defended their title at the Montane Winter Spine Race, and her 2 wins neatly book-end an astonishing year of ultra running.

She arrived in Kirk Yetholm in an incredible time of 92 hours, 02 mins, winning the women's race and finishing in 5th place overall.

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The Montane Spine Race team had this to say about her extraordinary achievement;

"Google her results and you’ll quickly begin to run out of fingers as you count up her wins, podiums, and completions at some of the planet’s most challenging and competitive endurance events.

If anyone had the thought before this race that she might have depleted her energy reserves over this intensely productive 12 months, they can put that thought to bed. Claire has finished in 1st again, in 5th overall again, and in a faster time than last year by more than 5hrs.
In any case, those of us who have had the good fortune to have met Claire and to have seen her race will tell you there is no evidence her energy reserves have any limit at all.

It’s a joy to watch Claire race. Not just because she is an exceptional athlete with the full tool kit of mental and physical strengths required to so consistently produce elite performances, but because she quite obviously takes such joy in the simple act of running long distances in wild places.
That joy is infectious, and her enormous talent and hunger for more and more of these experiences is inspiring."

Despite improving her time by 5 hours Bannwarth remarked, “This year was much much tougher. I didn’t plan to go faster; I just wanted to go at my own pace.” Claire has thoroughly enjoyed her Spine race experience relishing in the traditions like the chilli noodles bar provided by race stalwart John Bamber at Greg’s Hut. She laughed, mentioning they were much spicier than she was prepared for. 

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Pictured: Women's race leader Claire Bannwarth. Photo Credit: Steve Ashworth

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

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

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Pictured: It's 268-miles with smiles for Hannah Rickman. Photo Credit: Wild_Aperture

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

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Pictured: 3rd place Lucy Gossage on Jacob's Ladder early in the race. Photo Credit: Wild_Aperture

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Completing the top 5 are ultrarunning legend Nicky Spinks and repeat Spine legend Elaine Bisson, who teamed up in Alston and have ran together ever since to cross the finish line together.

Nicky has precedent for completing difficult challenges, like a double Bob Graham Round, and this time she battled the elements to complete her first Winter Spine Race. With Elaine, they formed an incredible team which was never going to be stopped from achieving their goal.

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

Keep up to date and track the rest of the race here

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Catch up by watching all of the action so far...

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THE MONTANE WINTER SPINE RACES 2024 | EPISODE 6

There was an action packed day in Kirk Yetholm as the podium positions on the 268-mile Montane Winter Spine, and 160-mile Challenger North and MRT Challenge North were settled. The emotion and determination to reach the finish line line was evident as many battled the sleep monsters and the desire to continue.

Claire Bannwarth, 1st woman in the Montane Winter Spine is one of an elite few athletes to have ever successfully defended their title, and her 2 wins neatly book-end an astonishing year of ultra running. A close fought battle between Hannah Rickman and Lucy Gossage ensued for 2nd an 3rd position, taking it right to the wire.

We hear the stories from those that are fighting hard further down the course to make the cut offs, and maintain the hope of seeing the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm.

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Ever wondered just how brutal the Montane Winter Spine Race really is? INOV8's Lee Procter explains here

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