A runner crosses the bridge over the M62 motorway on his way north. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The battle for the lead of the Montane Spine Race is hotting up as the icy conditions slowly thaw.

Kim Collison currently heads the men’s race, but John Kelly has moved up the order to second place, after overtaking three runners as the event entered its second night.

Robyn Cassidy, in seventh overall place, has a clear lead in the women’s race, ahead of second-placed Lucy Gossage.

Kim Collison leads the men's race. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The men’s race saw 2013 winner Eugeni Roselló Solé, who was in the lead group during the first day, retire after coming to grief on icy ground and injuring himself. Hannah Rickman also dropped out of the women’s race after completing more than 22 hours on the course.

At the time of writing on Monday, Collison, who dropped out of the 2024 race, leads Kelly by about 6km as they head towards upper Teesdale. Sam Skinner, David Phillips and Tiaan Erwee are in a chasing group about 45 minutes behind.

Robyn Cassidy heads the women's race, in seventh overall place. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Gossage is closing on the women’s leader Cassidy, who took a rest about 9km ahead of her at the Tan Hill Inn. Nikki Arthur is in third place.

The 268-mile race, along the full length of the Pennine Way, began on Sunday morning in full winter conditions, with lying snow and ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The weather has gradually warmed up, with milder air likely to lead to slower terrain of slush and mud.

By Monday evening, 59 competitors had withdrawn from the race.

One runner was aided by rescuers from Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and the Cave Rescue Organisation, who helped the organisers get the competitor to Hawes from the Cam High Road. Several Spine Race runners also stopped to help.

The Montane Spine Sprint Race, between Edale and Hebden Bridge, was won by Paul Brennan in a time of 9hrs 26mins 47secs, with Hannah Bruce taking the women’s honours with her finish time of 12hrs 53mins 47secs.

John Kelly. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

James Allen won the Montane Spine Challenger South, with Alice Kershaw taking the women’s honours. The MRT section, for members of mountain rescue teams, was won by Kevin Robinson, with Charlotte Black and Alison Love sharing the women’s trophy, arriving at the Hardraw finish together.

Paul Grundy currently leads the Montane Spine Challenger North heading across the North Pennines, with Nicky Spinks heading the women’s race.

Runners’ progress can be followed on the Open Tracking website.