Search
RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / ‘I’ve wanted to do it for years’ – Nicky Spinks relishing Winter Spine Race debut

‘I’ve wanted to do it for years’ – Nicky Spinks relishing Winter Spine Race debut

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Published on

Nicky Spinks has won or excelled in pretty much every ultrarunning race, challenge or event that matters in the UK.

One notable exception is that she’s yet to take part in the Winter Spine Race – but that will be put right over the next week as she tackles the 268-mile monster that is tagged as ‘Britain’s most brutal race’.

She heads into it on the back of a warm-up win at the Montane Cheviot Goat – in freezing conditions that she’s likely to encounter on the Pennine Way over the coming days.

After that she said: “It has shaken me up and given me the boost I needed to get on with Spine preparations.”

Advertisement

What is Nicky’s ‘Rule of 3’?

And judging by her Q&A this week with sponsor inov-8 it sounds like things have very much gone to plan since then.

First of all explaining why it’s taken so long to line up for a first Winter Spine she said: “I’ve wanted to do it for years but was always organising and running the Trigger race around the same time. 

“I also watched Summit Fever Media’s film and that made me want to experience the race for myself.

“My own ‘Rule of 3’ is if you’ve thought of doing something three times, then now is the time to do it.”

Advertisement

Running her own race

And now the decision has been made to race – and months of training banked – she’s relishing getting underway, describing the start as “always manic” and the thing she’s least looking forward to.

“It [the training] has gone well overall but there have been some highs and lows. I just want to get started so I can figure out where I am.”

[Photo credit: No Limits Photography]

Asked about race tactics, she’s keeping it super simple: “Run my own race. Get to Hawes feeling good.”

“I’m looking forward to days and nights on the Pennine Way with just me, my pack and other Spine runners,” she added on Instagram before heading south for the start.

It’s harder than ever to pick favourites this year but the woman to beat would appear to be defending champion Claire Bannwarth who returns to Edale to kick off another packed schedule of the top ultra races.

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

Jim Walmsley Kilian Jornet Vincent Bouillard Chianti Trail by UTMB 2025 photo credit UTMB World Series
Statement win for Jim Walmsley over Kilian Jornet in Chianti battle between last three UTMB winners
TCS London Marathon 2024 finisher celebration
What is a good London Marathon finish time?
London Marathon 2024 crowded runners shot blur effect photo credit TCS London Marathon
76-year-old marathon World Record holder has the VO2 Max of a 20-year-old
barkley marathons gate 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Iconic ‘Do Not Block Gate’ Barkley Marathons sign could be auctioned
John Kelly day 2 Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Barkley Marathons 2025: NO finishers but John Kelly gets ‘Fun Run’ consolation
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...