The wind and snow of Storm Goretti threatened the start of the 2026 Spine Race, but unlike last year, the weather soon changed and a warm front defrosted the Pennines, before freezing them solid again.
I was signed to Spine Safety Team 7 (SST7), under the watchful guidance of Darren, from Buxton Mountain Rescue Team. I joined everyone at Earby Hostel, one day into the race, and met many familiar faces. The Spine family is a broad one, made up of runners, mountain rescue volunteers and instructors, who all come together, with a mission to keep everyone safe during the event. We give our time for free, and enjoy great comradeship during the event. Working nights always brings its challenges, particularly with safe driving, but we know the routine, and need plenty of rest periods.
I joined Paul (from our 2025 crew), and we were assigned a tiny spot at Flask, high on the moors above Hedben Bridge. The evening was cloudy, damp and breezy, but we were snug in our lay-by, and well prepared. We have learned over many years to prepare for any weather, and expect the forecast to change at any minute.
The stars came and went as cloud blew in on the breeze, but thankfully the shift was peaceful, light hearted and full of runners in good spirits. I’m no runner, and even with toes, I was awful, but I can help and support others who do run. More and more, my life is about support and I’m delighted to help where I can.
My second night was on the legendary Cam High Road above the town of Hawes. The warm air stayed, but brought with it squalls of driving rain, making it an evening thick in fog. Regardless of the weather, the competitors were all in high spirits and looked strong. We left as daylight snuggled to fight through the cloud, and rested in Kirkby Stephen.
I’ve spent many a night above Cow Green Reservoir in Teesdale for the Spine, and here we were again, observing runners looking string on another cold night. Last year we had clear skies and planets in alignment. Sadly, this year was marred by patchy cloud. The roads were like a skidpan, and we drove very gingerly over to Alston and Nentsbury, before another shift was done.
Monitoring safety can be exciting one minute, and boring the next. Thankfully Paul and I called in at Alston YHA Checkpoint for a warm up, a piece of the legendary Lasagne, and a brew, before walking some of the course to stretch our legs. We got out every night, regardless of the weather conditions to prevent stiffening up. It brought back memories of my days on Stand By in the Electricity Industry, where I regularly lived out of my car. I was also 30 years younger..!
Our final night shift saw us high on Hadrians Wall at Steel Rigg. Again the stars were bright, and the air biting cold. The racers were still in great spirits, even though they were at the tail end of the race, but the support they receive both on line and off is amazing. Everyone is cheered onward, perhaps more than the winners. Support day and night is everything. Dawn broke with a beautiful sunrise to the east, and it was time to pack up and head home.
And so another Spine Race is done, but my support role is far from over. Time for another marathon, but this one is very cold, very high and a Guinness World Record attempt.