Spine Race runner rescued from Cheviots after becoming 'exhausted and hypothermic'
More than 150 competitors are braving snow and sub-zero temperatures to take part in non-stop 268-mile race along Pennine Way
Last updated 18th Jan 2024
A runner taking part in what's widely-regarded as Britain's most brutal race has had to be rescued, agonisingly close to the finish line in the Scottish Borders, after becoming "exhausted and hypothermic", as temperatures plummeted to minus ten degrees Celsius overnight.
Border Search and Rescue Unit and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team raced to the scene, just north of The Schil summit in the Cheviot Hills, after the alarm was raised, around 6.30am this morning (Thursday).
The woman was evacuated on a stretcher to a waiting LandRover before being transported off the hillside in the cross-border operation.
A spokesperson for Border Search and Rescue Unit said: "Some superb driving from the team got the (rescue) vehicle to the casualty site where the racer was assessed by MRT personnel and Spine Race staff.
"After re-warming, the casualty was moved into the vehicle and taken off the hill for further treatment of additional injuries."
More than 150 athletes embarked on the non-stop 268-mile race along the Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire at 8am on Sunday.
And some competitors have been held or diverted further down the route due to snow and sub-zero temperatures, as they make their way to the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm.
Click on the link below to view our video with Spine Race winner Jack Scott...
Four of the Border Search and Rescue Unit are taking part in the shorter Montane Spine Challenger North, which is running alongside the main event, to raise money for their new base in Kelso.
The 160-mile mountain rescue challenge follows the northern section of the Pennine Way into Kirk Yetholm.
Leader Duncan Buchanan and Ian Stark have already made it to the finish (2pm update), while Damon Rodwell is not far behind. Rob Hume was forced to retire early due to cramp.
Another runner nearing the finish is Irvine gym owner Scott Brown, who is raising money for Cash for Kids Ayrshire.
READ MORE: Scott sets new record in 268-mile Spine Race along Pennine Way
Organisers of the Spine Race revealed safety is their number one priority.
Speaking earlier in the week, Will Roberts, from the event team, told us: "It's a military operation at HQ, moving everybody around. And we have to be cautious; British weather at this time of year is unpredictable."
A spokesperson added: "This particular occasion was a good example of the layers of safety we build into these events. The runner in question was first taken care of by other runners around them, making use of the contents of our comprehensive kit list, an act for which Good Samaritan time credits have been awarded.
"They followed the race guidance and contacted Spine Race HQ who mobilised a Spine Safety Team to attend. Our team then made an assessment and deduced that the best option for the runner was to call in the local Mountain Rescue Team to get them down the hill swiftly with their superb advanced driving skills. That runner is now safely heading home.
"This co-ordinated effort between our Spine Safety Teams and the regional Mountain Rescue Teams along the course is an essential part of how we monitor and protect these athletes."
You can watch the progress of the athletes remaining on the course here - https://live.opentracking.co.uk/spinerace24/