Leadley and Littlefair land Sprint South titles at Montane Spine Race 2026

Joe Leadley and Sophie Littlefair were the winners of the Montane Winter Spine Sprint South.

Both had to contend with tricky conditions featuring plenty of snow and ice and they came into the event at differing ends of the Spine Race experience spectrum.

Debut success

Taking on his first ever Spine race, Leadley completed the 46-mile course in 8hrs 17mins to win the men’s race.

Speaking at the finish line, he said the conditions were tough going with the deep snow and slippery ice, but when it was clear he could really pick up the pace.

He made his move to pass eventual runner-up Christopher Warner at Blackstone Reservoir, using the faster gravel there to his advantage as he won by just under 20 minutes.

Rounding out the podium to take third place was Andy Mears.

Back on track

A tremendous run from Littlefair saw her take victory in the women’s race in 11hrs flat.

She moved clear on the steep early section and never looked back.

Sophie ran the full Winter Spine distance in 2024 but has been carrying injuries ever since and said she went into this race with the intention of drawing a line under those and to set herself up for another crack at the full distance.

Kelly-Marie Staunton was the second woman in 11hrs 54 mins.

She came in ahead of Eleanor Walker, who made it into Hebden Bridge and up the final hill in 12hrs 41mins.