Runners face gruelling challenge for Spine Race

One of the most challenging endurance runs on the calendar is heading back to the dale this month.

The Summer 2026 edition of the Spine Race, which covers the entire Pennine Way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, will be passing through Teesdale between June 14 and 17.

The gruelling route, 431km from start to finish, enters the dale when it crosses the A66 just west of Bowes.

It continues towards Balderdale, passing through Hannah Hauxwell country on its way towards Grassholme Reservoir before joining the Teesdale Way at Middleton.

From there it follows the river to the official checkpoint at Low Way Farm campsite near Holwick, then continues along the Tees as far as Cauldron Snout and Cow Green before crossing into Cumbria.

That checkpoint at Low Way Farm is a key point on the route. Just past halfway, it’s a time for runners to reset ahead of a potentially gruelling stretch ahead.

“You have High Cup Nick, which is stunning if you get to see it properly,” said Jennifer O’Neill, who is deputy manager at the checkpoint.

“Then you drop down into Dufton before a daunting stretch over Cross Fell. People need to get themselves ready for that.

“But it’s also one of the most beautiful sections, with Low Force, High Force, Cauldron Snout. And if the weather is good and the timing is right, there are beautiful sunrises. High Cup Nick in good visibility is an experience that few people have.”

From humble roots in 2012, with just three of the field of 11 runners completing the course, it has grown into an internationally renowned race attracting visitors from all over the world.

At the same time, it has generated more local support – with Teesdale standing out as something of a volunteer hotspot.

Jennifer, who is based on Tyneside, is a keen runner herself and often takes on the dale’s trails.

“I used to live near Richmond,” she said. “There was such a contrast in the way people viewed it there compared with Teesdale. People here care, they’re proud of their area. They want to celebrate it and have people coming through to share and be part of it.”

From a friendly rivalry with Alston – the annual unofficial cook-off between the Teesdale Tandoori and Alston’s Lasagne – to local connections, it all adds up to a sense of place characteristic of the dale.

“People come from all over the world and they see Teesdale in its best light,” Jennifer added.

“Our volunteers understand the area, they can recommend local businesses when runners need to pop out and buy something.”

Although this summer’s race is fully catered for volunteers, potential new recruits are always welcome.

The Spine Race runs twice a year, and the Teesdale Winter checkpoint is at the old Youth Hostel at Langdon Beck.

Anybody interested in getting involved can sign up at the race website thespinerace.com