MONTANE Spine Challenger 2023

We are proud to say that Robert Watkins Grad IOSH AIFSM MIIRSM, our QHSE manager has completed the MONTANE Spine Challenge 2023.

The MONTANE Spine Challenger is a non-stop, 108 mile race between Edale and Hawes with a time limit of 60hrs and is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races.

A truly epic challenge that test’s the physical resilience and mental fortitude of all it’s competitors!

Rob arrived at Edale (Peak District) at 13:00hrs Friday in preparation for the race which started the following morning. He was told that the weather conditions for the race, which consisted of heavy rain, sleet, snow and 45mph gusts of wind were “Biblical”.

The race started at 07:30hrs prompt and the ground conditions on these routes were punishing with Rob spending most of the next few hours walking with his feet under water or in a bog whilst trying to remain upright. At some point during the first 15 miles, Rob damaged his collateral ligament in the right knee and started to feel some discomfort but was still feeling confident so decided to push on. The journey involved lots of navigation along the moors at night with some punishing ground conditions. At the 65 mile point, his moral was low, his knee ached, he felt terrible and the temperature had dropped to just below freezing with driving wind and snow. The last section of the journey was punishing but Rob was determined not to be “timed out” and completed the race in 59:13:50, raising £1,675 for the #EndYouthHomelessness Charity.

Rob would like to say a big thank you to Tony Adams for driver support, all those who sponsored him and everyone who supported him with encouraging messages through his epic journey.

Well Done Rob!