Spine Race 2025 Preview

I am really excited. Its been quite a while since I've tried to race at this distance other than some navigational events where the pace is always slower. This really is going to be a sprint for me, and it's going to be interesting to see if I can still do that.

The first part of training was written off with covid and work, but I've had some good runs out in the last 6 weeks and it's still 2 weeks till taper. I had right leg sciatica 2yrs ago and I have done very long, very hilly, very slow events since then, combined with strength training. I have really had to relearn how to run for this and regardless of the result that has been a great feeling. I've loved the training runs. It took a few weeks for the right leg to fire properly but its nearly there now. I should have done more of this plus some plyometrics months ago.

Well.... I have to fess up and say the plan is to try and podium at all the versions of the winter race and this is the last piece in the jigsaw. That said these events are getting more competitive every year and I know there are some fab fell runners stepping up to the sprint distance this year. I honestly think that the podium might be out of reach. But I have to try.

Depends on conditions. The Spine Sprint has some very runnable sections as long as it isn't a mud bath. If its muddy then the Spin ST, if drier then the Spin planet. What am I saying.... It's always muddy on the Pennine Way even in midsummer!

I always hate the start of an event. Everyone goes off too fast and it takes a while to find your rhythm. This is also the hilliest part of the course where you can really beat yourself up and regret it later on. Everyone canes it so they don't have to wait 30 seconds at the first few gates. Makes no sense but happens every year! The sprint course is bleak, and majestic with it. I will tell you what my favourite part is afterwards if the fog lifts. In all my races and all my recces I don't think I have ever seen what the panoramic view looks like on this section of the course.

I had a few years gap before coming back last year and it was like getting back into a hot bath (despite being cold as chuff). The people are what makes this event. It's a beautiful thing.

This one is going to be a little different to other races I’ve done. I’ll be doing this in the company of my Dad, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of spending plenty of time with him, going a little slower, chatting a lot more, and seeing what the Pennine Way throws at us. 

How is training going? 

This year has not been a good one running wise unfortunately. I’ve been plagued with injuries since summer and struggling to shake them off. Life has also been hectic and running hasn’t quite been one of the top priorities. But that’s life! So, I’ve done what I can in prep for the Spine Challenger South, managed a good number of long runs in the Brecon Beacons, and had a few night-time wanders around Black Hill with my Dad. 

What are your aims/ hopes/ambitions for the race?

This one is all about getting us both to the end. We are going to stick together and try and get this done within the 60 hours we are allowed. This will, by far, be the furthest that Dad has gone, and it’ll also be a different challenge for me and my legs too going at a different pace and cadence. So if we can both get to the end, in one piece, and still friends, we will have done well!

What shoes are you planning on wearing?

I’m going to see how wet the weather is looking. At the moment, I’m thinking I might use the Spin STs with their big lugs for the first section to Hebden Bridge and then switch into the Spin Planets after that and enjoy that cushioning. 

What part of the course are you most/least looking forward to?

I have such fond memories of the whole route from last year, and so I’m looking forward to getting out on the course properly again. If its windy and raining, then the slog over to Stoodley Pike will be a section to get done quickly. However, if the weather is okay, then it’ll be a completely different experience. Lets see what the January weather throws at us.

What is it about The Spine which makes you want to come back again this year? 

It gives us an opportunity to test your limits physically and mentally, and I love the idea of that. It’s a beautiful course, filled with cracking people and checkpoints, all in the dead of winter – what’s not to love ha! I’m also planning to be back in 2026 to give the full Spine another go – I’ve unfinished business with the section north of Alston.

Dougie Zinis

How are you feeling going into the race? 

I'm feeling great physically going into the race, I had a injury earlier in the year but it has cleared up now and my training blocks have gone well.

What are your aims/ hopes/ambitions for the race?

In this race I've found that to get where I need to be I can only make my aims small, so my first aim is to get up Jacobs ladder without blowing my blood pressure up too much. Overall I need to stay stronger for longer which comes down to my training over the last few months.

What shoes are you planning on wearing?

As always I'll stick with my Spin Infinity as they are an amazing distance shoe. with Spin STs in my drop bag in case I need more traction.

What part of the course are you most/least looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to the climbs up to cross fell and the cheviots as I love a good hands on knees accent.

I'm not looking forward to Hadrian's Wall as I can't seem to get a rhythm on it and the sleep monsters usually come knocking here.

What is it about The Spine which makes you want to come back again this year? 

This is the 5th time I've been involved in a spine race and the 4th in the full version. I keep coming back as I love to test my soul and this race certainly does, it straps you to the bone then you have to race...perfect 😊