Races

INOV8's Jack Scott wins the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024

GREAT SCOTT! He's only gone and done it!

In an outstanding display of ultra-distance trail running and a true feat of human endurance, INOV's Jack Scott has beaten the field, mastered the elements and conquered 'Britain's Most Brutal' race in style, breaking the course record of 83 hours, 12 mins, set by Jasmin Paris in 2019. His finishing time and new record now stands at a mind-boggling 72 hours, 55 mins for 268 consecutive miles!!!

It was a long and arduous third night for all competitors, with temperatures falling below minus 10 and deep snow underfoot, making progress extremely challenging. Sensing victory was near, Scott has pushed on regardless, barely resting and surviving on very little sleep, as he stretched out the lead over his closest rival, last year's winner Damian Hall. Over the 3 days, he only slept for a total of 54 minutes!

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Pictured: Jack Scott crossing the finish line. Photo Credit: Montane Spine Race

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Damian Hall has finished 2nd in the Montane Winter Spine Race 2024.

His finishing time of 82:25:10 was also faster than Jasmin Paris' Course Record from 2019 and would have been today's headline if not for Jack Scott. Nevertheless, it represents the 2nd fastest time in this race's history and an astonishing achievement.

The Montane Spine Race had this to say;

"The turning point in the race seems to have happened up on Cross Fell in those treacherous frozen conditions. Damian and Jack climbed up together, but Jack came down ahead and Damian never saw him again.

Damian affectionately referred to Jack as a 'bloody rascal' before the two hugged each other at the Border Wall, adding 'you got me back for last year.'
Damian, who has now finished in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in this race across the years and previously held the male course record, also said 'I think today we saw a piece of British ultrarunning history... and I don't mean my haircut.

When asked about his time on the course this year he mentioned crossing the Cheviots in daylight, crossing over that high exposed ground just in time for a beautiful sunset."

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Pictured: Damian Hall kissing the famous wall in Kirk Yetholm, signifying the end of the race. Photo credit: Montane Spine Race

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Completing the podium is Konrad Rawlik, arriving in Kirk Yetholm in 3rd place in a time of 85:47:12.

The Montane Spine Race had this to say about his performance;

"Konrad was at the front of the pack from the very beginning, running among the star-studded cast of athletes who attended the race this winter. Whilst one by one runners around him dropped out, Konrad calmly continued. When the pain in his battered feet began to hamper his progress, he stoically carried on; and when the weather turned vicious yesterday he quietly kept pushing.

We are all well aware that Konrad is the husband of a certain #spinelegend who was waiting for him at the finish line in Kirk Yetholm, but this is very much Konrad’s race and story.
He is an ultra-runner with a history of excellent performances in races such as the Dragon’s Back, and he showed his calibre here in style turning in a time which could well have resulted in victory in another year, despite the injury he had to manage for a large proportion of the race.
Konrad's was a calm, considered performance that required deep reserves of resilience and those qualities are essential on the Pennine Way in winter."

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Pictured: Konrad in action on the trail. Photo Credit: Wild_Aperture

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A special mention must also go to our SportsShoes x Montane ambassador Dougie Zinis for finishing 4th in an incredible time of 87:45:50!

The Montane Winter Spine Race team said;

"Dougie Zinis is something of a Spine Legend. A win in the 2020 Winter Challenger south followed by Podium finishes in the Winter spine race in both 2022 and 2023. Dougie is a phenomenal athlete and the very model of concistency. From the start he ran his own race refusing to be drafted into the relentless pace being set at the front. Dougie's Time of 87:45:50 would have given him a win in 5 of the last 8 years which shows the level of performance he gave in extremely challenging conditions. Massive congratulations from the whole team at the Spine and we look forward to seeing you again in 2025."

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Orran Smith completed the top 5 in a fantastic time of 94 hours, 48 mins and should be VERY proud of his achievement. We're sure he'll be back to compete for a podium place next year.

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 4

The Montane Winter Spine Races 2024 enters day four. As the remaining ultra runners continue their battle up the Pennine Way, temperatures plummet and conditions worsen. The snow comes and makes a hard job harder.

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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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SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.