"They said it couldn't be done, but how wrong! Incredibly Gary Morrison and Steve Thompson have completed the Spine race in a time of 152 hours and 2 minutes. There incredible achievement is testament to their stoic determination and unbelievable desire to finish the course. Their achievement should be applauded and go down in British Ultra Marathon Running history. The never before attempted winter Pennine Way has been completed and the 'Mori-Thom' record of 152 hours and 2 minutes is the benchmark for all others."

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/PennineWay/article.asp?PageId=3&ArticleId=50

That looks tempting Tony.
It would be an expensive way of doing though.
It doesn't mention how many started.
It says competitors are allowed a support team, and the winning pair did have this. That must be quite an advantage over those without.
They suffered quite severe foot problems, I don't know if I would fancy attempting anything like that in winter wearing lightweight shoes.
Definately a very good effort from the 3 finishers and food for thought.
Dave.

I think there were around twenty starters and most dropped out on the first day.

I doubt if my feet would stand up to that.I used to suffer from "dead" feet when out running in winter and that was in reasonable conditons,just light snow and the temperature at 0 degrees.

That's a pretty impressive result.
If they have a blog of their trip I'd be interested to read it.I guess the prime factor must be the amount of snow cover and depth on the route,although these dates were just before the early February Arctic weather spell and snow dump.
The time equates to 6 days 8 hours,or 7 full running days averaging 38 miles a day.As such I'm sure it is a record that could definately be beaten!

Ah,should have Googled it first! Write up is on:

http://thespinerace.com/

Im glad I wasnt walking a north - south Pennine way when they all ran by, being a polite kind of chap I'd have ended up with a sore throat....''morning, morning...morning, morning'' lol

'Our' trip not so far off now, at least when we pass each other it'll just be one 'good morning'!

I think you are right Alan, although impressive I doubt the record will last very long, although conditions will obviously play a big part.
Interested in comparing it with my own PW, I noted the winners average pace which includes any food etc stops in between check in/rest points.
Leg 1. 45 miles - 12h. 11min = 3+mph
2. 61 miles - 27h. 21min = 3-mph
3. 33 miles - 17h. 22min = 2-mph
4. 40 miles - 21h. 03min - 2-mph
5. 40 miles - 20h. 00min = 2mph
6. 42 miles - 20h. 17min = 2mph

Making an overall moving hours average of 2.33mph

Total rest time at 5 checkpoints = 32 hours.

Going off that they probably did most if not all of their running during the first two legs, then the foot problems and lack of sleep set in.
Lets not forget though they would only have had around 7 hours daylight in 24 and try as you do to keep up the pace, it always drops during the dark hours.
Dave.

After making enquiries about this Ultra Marathon Race, I have received an E mail today with a special offer.
They are reducing the fee to £350.. for early birds booking before April 30th, this includes a short training course with an experienced leader.
The deposit is around £250..
Don't all rush at once!
Dave.

I don't think I will be applying!

Shall we have a whip round and enter Sgt James?