SPINE: Is This Britain’s Most Brutal Endurance Race?

The SPINE Race is widely regarded as Britain’s most gruelling endurance event, a test of mental resilience, physical strength, and tactical acumen. Taking place along the 268-mile Pennine Way, the race challenges participants to traverse some of the most unforgiving terrains in the UK, battling brutal weather conditions, relentless elevation changes, and often sleep deprivation. This is not merely a run but a feat of human endurance, testing every fibre of one’s being. While working alongside Conor Barrasford in the Healf office, I had the privilege of observing his meticulous preparation for the SPINE race. Balancing both an intense training schedule with the demands of a challenging ‘at the desk’ job was nothing short of inspiring. After his extraordinary finish, I caught up with Conor to delve deeper into his journey and the lessons he gained from taking on Britain’s most gruelling endurance challenge.

Unlike traditional ultramarathons, the SPINE race blurs the line between running, hiking, and survival. Participants navigate through remote moors, rugged peaks, and exposed ridges while carrying essential gear, including sleeping systems, food, and safety equipment. The race takes place in January, exposing competitors to the harshest of winter conditions - biting winds, snow, and icy rain are par for the course.

The race’s non-stop nature sets it apart. There are no daily stages or enforced rest periods. Racers must manage their time, deciding when to push forward and when to sleep. Sleep deprivation becomes a key factor, with many participants, including Conor, reporting vivid hallucinations during the later stages. It’s a race where mental fortitude is as important as physical preparation.

While the word “race” might evoke images of competitive running, the SPINE is more aptly described as an endurance expedition. The unforgiving terrain often forces participants to hike rather than run, especially during the steep ascents and technical descents. This year, the race proved just how the weather can quickly turn a manageable section into an arduous slog, and the cumulative impact of the distance, lack of sleep, and adverse conditions makes every step feel monumental.

Strategy plays a crucial role in completing the SPINE. As competitors carefully plan their pace, nutrition, and rest. Overexerting early can lead to burnout, while underestimating the time required for certain sections can leave racers stranded in harsh conditions. Successful finishers often speak of “listening to their bodies” and adapting their strategies to the race’s ever-changing demands.

Conor’s experience highlights the race’s true nature. In one striking moment, he documented having five lasagnes for breakfast at 6am, a reflection of the immense energy demands on competitors. “It was pure fuel,” he remarked, showcasing how unconventional choices become essential in such extreme conditions.

With 80km to go, Conor's shin had swollen dramatically. The first 200km of bashing snow and ice had taken its toll and now each stride sent an acute, shooting pain down his leg. Whilst quitting never crossed his mind, the reality of trudging through 80km carrying an injury was a tough pill to swallow. Slowing posed a number of issues; sleep demons set in, he got colder, his appetite waned & he toiled with a general sadness for the remainder of the race. 

The SPINE race is as much a gear test as it is a test of endurance. Participants must carry a mandatory kit, including GPS navigation tools, a bivy sack, and spare clothing. Choosing the right equipment can mean the difference between comfort and misery, or even safety and danger. Layers must be breathable yet insulating, waterproof yet lightweight. Footwear must balance grip, durability, and protection against the inevitable blisters.

For Conor, preparation was an all-encompassing endeavour. He used every moment of his weeks to test equipment, with different shoe varieties, coats, jackets, and tools arriving at the office for him to try and test. “I needed to find what worked in every condition,” he explained, reflecting on the trial-and-error process.

However, the mental challenge began even before the race. Conor completely lost his appetite 36 hours prior due to nerves, which he found particularly frustrating knowing this was the critical moment to fuel. “It was the worst timing,” he admitted, highlighting how emotional pressure can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

Balancing his intense desk job with training required extraordinary dedication. Conor would finish work at the office at 7pm on a Friday, only to embark on an overnight 10-hour run in pitch darkness, ensuring he maintained peak performance both professionally and physically. To leave no stone unturned, he even hired the man who set the record for Spine as his coach, giving him the brief: “I’m short on time, I have a demanding job, and I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”

Nutrition and hydration are equally critical. Racers often rely on a combination of freeze-dried meals, energy gels, and snacks to sustain their energy levels. Planning resupplies and water sources along the route is essential, as is testing these strategies during training. Throughout the course, he relied on Maurten Gels for quick, digestible energy and LMNT electrolytes to stay hydrated, striking a delicate balance to avoid dehydration. “Balancing energy intake and hydration was key.” he shared, underscoring how strategy and endurance intertwine.

The SPINE race attracts a rare breed of athlete - those seeking not only a formidable physical challenge but also a profound personal transformation. For many, it’s an opportunity to confront their limits and redefine what they believe is possible. It’s as much about the inner journey as it is about the gruelling miles covered.

For others, the race is a chance to reclaim control of their narrative. Dr Lucy Gossage, an oncologist and seasoned endurance athlete, described this year’s SPINE as an opportunity to “close a chapter” after an emotionally charged experience in the 2024 race. In an interview with The Times, she recounted discovering mid-race that her partner of three years had been unfaithful. Photos posted on social media by a friend were spotted by another, who claimed she’d been in a relationship with Dr Gossage’s boyfriend for several months.

This year, Gossage returned with a renewed sense of purpose, determination, and independence. Not only did she finish the race, but she also claimed victory as the first-place female finisher. Her triumph is a testament to resilience, proving that the SPINE isn’t about physical endurance - it’s a catalyst for emotional breakthroughs and personal growth.

For every participant, the SPINE offers a unique journey. Whether overcoming physical pain, battling mental demons, or finding moments of transcendence in nature, this race is far more than a competition; it's a transformative journey.

The SPINE race is a crucible that forges a unique camaraderie among its participants. While the race is competitive, it’s also deeply communal. Racers often help each other through tough sections, sharing resources or simply offering words of encouragement. This sense of shared struggle creates bonds that last long after the race is over.

When I was gathering the information about the SPINE race, I chatted with Conor's fiancé, Danielle Burrell. The rules of the race are that you are only to see a loved one once during the time, she shared - "It never gets easier watching someone you love push themselves to the absolute limit, but it’s also one of the most inspiring things to witness. It’s not just conquering Britain’s most brutal race—he’s dedicated years to meticulous planning, sacrifices, and relentless training to even get to that start line. I couldn’t be prouder… though he’s promised that’s for something of this magnitude for a while. We’ll see!"

Conor explained that completing the SPINE race, which is considered the pinnacle of endurance sport, feels surreal. At the finnish line, the total hallucination and inability to recognise Danielle is a reflection of the intensity and pressure that the race places on the human body. It was a challenge he had hoped to take on later in life, but after securing a spot by chance, he ended up doing it much sooner than he expected. As he starts to sell or donate some of the equipment he bought, he said, “I’m not sure it’s fully sunk in yet."I know I’ve done it physically - I can hardly walk right now, as you can see but it will take a while for me to mentally digest it. For many years, I've respected this race as the pinnacle of endurance sports racing in the UK so it's tough to believe I've done it.  I’m sure my family is relieved to hear that’s it.”