Manx athletes take on grueling Spine Race challenges

Competitors tackle cold and icy conditions in UK endurance events

Multiple Manx athletes put in strong efforts in challenging conditions during the 2026 Spine Race events in the UK this month.

No fewer than five competitors with Island connections were involved across the Spine Race, Spine Sprint South and Spine Challenger North events across 10-11 January in cold and icy conditions in the UK.

During the mammoth 268-mile Spine Race which started on Sunday, 11 January - UK-based Manx athlete Phil Marshall went on to finish the challenge 13th in class and 17th overall in 121 hours, 26 minutes and 57 seconds.

Fellow Island competitor, Graeme Hatcher began the same race but was forced to retire through injury just over 13 hours in.

Meanwhile, Peter Bradley went on to complete the 160-mile Spine Challenger North race in 88 hours, 55 minutes and 42 seconds to cross the line 43rd in class.

There was a Manx duo elsewhere taking on the 46-mile Spine Sprint South in the form of Geoff Quayle and Jane Rose who both successfully navigated the challenge in just over 16 hours and 23 minutes.

That pace meant Rose finished inside the top-20 in the female sprint category whilst Quayle would take 64th spot in the men's/open sprint section.