Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Collison out, diversion in place – but Hall and Bannwarth going well at Winter Spine

Collison out, diversion in place – but Hall and Bannwarth going well at Winter Spine

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

Kim Collison, in the lead group from virtually the outset, is the latest high-profile retirement at the Montane Winter Spine Race.

Collison’s CV features a whole host of wins in UK ultras as well as several FKT’s (fastest known times).

He had been running with reigning champion Damian Hall and Konrad Rawlik at the head of affairs, but he exited the race between the Tan Hill and Langdon checkpoints.

Advertisement

Scott and Nobles move into contention

Hall continues to go well as he looks to defend his title but Rawlik has been overtaken by relative ‘newbies’ Jack Scott and James Nobles.

Scott of course finished alongside Hall last year, though a time penalty cost him the chance of the win, while Nobles is making his Spine Race debut after winning the Northern Traverse in 2023.

It promises to be a fascinating battle and it’s a similar story in the women’s event.

Advertisement

Gossage making her mark

Incredible French ultrarunner Claire Bannwarth remains in pole position but last year’s runner-up Hannah Rickman and debutant Lucy Gossage, a multiple Ironman winner in triathlon, are going well in second and third.

Conditions remain relatively good in that it’s dry and solid underfoot – but it’s also getting icy.

And that led to the first diversion this year, with race organisers announcing the change of plan at Cauldron Snout due to the “seriously icy conditions”.

They posted: “Runners will divert away from the River Tees at Saur Hill Bridge and rejoin again after passing Cow Green Reservoir.”

If you missed it earlier both 2020 hero John Kelly and three-time winner Pavel Paloncy were forced out of the race by injuries – click on their names for their reaction since.

Dot Watchers can follow the progress of the runners pretty much in real time by tracking their GPS signals via this link.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

Marcus Scotney Cape Wrath Ultra No Limits Photography
Runner returns to epic British ultra to celebrate 50th birthday – and WINS the race
John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘Please don’t call me a hero’ – John Kelly honours the fallen on Memorial Day as he starts Appalachian Trail
Shaunna Burke is taking on the Everest Marathon
Researcher with incurable cancer tackles Everest again and the world’s highest marathon
Women top five Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
A ‘dream’ for Sara Alonso and ‘historic’ for Elhousine Elazzaoui – Zegama stirs the emotions again
Sara Alonso wins Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
Zegama-Aizkorri 2025 results: Statement wins from Elhousine Elazzaoui and Sara Alonso
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...