Spine Race: Air ambulance called after runner collapses in Cheviot Hills
Last updated 7 hours ago
A GP from Shropshire, who had never run further than 100 miles in a single go before stepping onto the Pennine Way, has become the first woman to cross the finish line in this year's Summer Spine Race.
Jenny Hartley arrived in Kirk Yetholm in a time of just under 105 hours, after completing all 268 miles of the gruelling route - running non-stop through the night.
She already holds two gold medals and a bronze in track running from the Invictus Games.
"Between her grit on the track, her background as an Army veteran, and her daily life as a GP, she knows exactly how to survive on zero sleep and sheer willpower," a spokesperson for sponsors Montane shared.
Irish farmer Ed Payne won the overall event having recorded a DNF, due to injury, just 12 months earlier.
He crossed the finish line on Wednesday evening, over nine hours ahead of second place.
While the majority of full Spine runners are still out on course, the other races have all now come to a conclusion.
Meanwhile, it's emerged, a runner taking part in the 160-mile Spine Challenger North had to be rescued by the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance after collapsing on the last leg of her race, in the Cheviot Hills.
Border Search and Rescue Unit has revealed it was called out shortly after midday on Wednesday, after the competitor was found unconscious by a walker on the Pennine Way, just north of The Schill.
Northumberland National Parks and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Teams were also alerted to the incident, close to the Scotland-England border.
A BSRT spokesperson said: "The scene was reached in good time and we are grateful to both Mr Flintoft at Cocklawfoot and Sourhope Farms and also College Valley Estates in assisting with swift access up the hill.
"With the Spine Safety Team in attendance, the casualty was assessed and prepared for evacuation by the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance that had been requested due to the urgency of the situation.
"Thanks to the SCAA, the casualty was delivered to primary care swiftly. Our very best wishes go out to the runner for a strong recovery and we hope to see you in the Cheviots again."
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