Laura Nobles was the first woman to cross the Montane Summer Spine Challenger North finish line.
Ms Nobles completed the 160-mile race in 49 hours and 31 minutes, setting a new course record for the women’s event – nearly an hour faster than the previous record.
The Montane Summer Spine Challenger North covers a non-stop, 160-mile route along the Pennine Way, from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
The course traverses some of the most challenging and scenic terrain in Britain, including the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the remote Cheviots.
Ms Nobles said: “I deferred my entry to this race in 2024 after finding out I was pregnant — that pregnancy ended in an early miscarriage, but I went on to have my second daughter, Bryher, in June 2025.
“Training has happened in stolen moments since, crammed into nap times or hill reps with the pram, but I knew I wanted to do something that felt massive postpartum and I allowed a small and quiet hope that I could do alright.
“Heading into the first night, the sunset over Tan Hill Moor was breathtaking and empowering and the kindness of the trail angels caught me completely off guard – such a warm and fuzzy feeling of eating a Crunchie left out by a complete stranger in the middle of the night.”
Ms Nobles said: “By Alston I realised I was the leading woman.
“My legs felt strong, with some oomph left in them and I felt a determination and self-belief I’ve genuinely never experienced before that I could push on and hold the lead.”
A terrifying encounter with some ‘exceptionally frisky’ cows left her with barbed wire scratches all over her legs after scrambling over a fence to escape.
Ms Nobles said: “Gruelling and slow stretch from Bellingham, the absolute highlight: holding my three-year-old’s hand for a few steps just before the Byrness checkpoint, her bell jingling in her other hand as she tottered along beside me.
“Between Hut 1 and Hut 2, my knee was really painful down hill.”
At this point, she thought about abandoning the race, but found the strength to perservere.
Ms Nobles said: “I couldn’t let myself give up — I’d told my Maeva that I’d cross the finish line to see her, she’s seen her dad do running races and this was my turn, and she’d asked for her own ‘running sparkle’ at the end and she could have mine.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of her not seeing me finish, or of not finishing with everything I’d put into training this year.
“That was the drive deep down: she’s seen me work hard, exhausted, sweaty, muddy — and seen that it’s still a joy and I was going to get my legs down those hills and see her. And it was magic to do it.”
The Montane Summer Spine Race is considered one of the toughest ultra-distance challenges in the world.
Now in its sixth summer edition, the 2026 event included more than 700 runners from around the globe.
The series includes seven races, from the 43-mile Sprint to the full 268-mile Spine Race.
Participants face extreme physical and mental challenges, including limited sleep, long daylight hours, and unpredictable summer weather.
All athletes are required to carry their kit, navigate the route with minimal support, and manage their own rest and nutrition.
The event is supported by a network of volunteers and safety teams positioned along the Pennine Way.
Despite the scenic setting, competitors must contend with exposure, technical trails, and prolonged periods without rest.
