The Spine Race: founder Phil Hayday Brown joins us to chat all things Spine
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Runner's World Podcast
This episode is titled:
The Spine Race: founder Phil Hayday Brown joins us to chat all things Spine
Notable Quotes
"We always have meetings afterwards and look at the near misses and look at what we could do better."
"It's amazing how the community has formed around the race, with so many people stepping in to help."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of the Runners World Podcast, hosts Rick Pearson and Ben Hobson interview Phil Hayday-Brown, the founder of The Spine race. Hayday-Brown shares his background in polar travel and outdoor instruction, which inspired him to create this challenging race. The conversation reveals how The Spine was born from a desire to replicate the Arctic race experience in the UK, particularly along the Pennine Way.
Hayday-Brown explains the unique challenges posed by the Pennine Way, highlighting its tough terrain and the unpredictable weather conditions typical of January in the UK. He reviews the race's growth, starting with just 15 participants in its first year and expanding to hundreds, while emphasizing the crucial role of volunteer support.
The discussion also touches upon safety measures in the race, including the use of trackers and a dedicated safety team, as Hayday-Brown reflects on the evolution of the race and the community it has built. Notably, he discusses the impact of outstanding performances, like that of Jasmine Paris, and the increasing allure of extreme challenges in the running world. He hints at upcoming changes that aim to further intensify the race's difficulty.
Finally, Hayday-Brown mentions the supportive communities along the route, exemplified by local residents who assist runners, dubbing them 'trail angels'. His passion for creating an event that enriches participants' lives is evident throughout the episode.
Hayday-Brown explains the unique challenges posed by the Pennine Way, highlighting its tough terrain and the unpredictable weather conditions typical of January in the UK. He reviews the race's growth, starting with just 15 participants in its first year and expanding to hundreds, while emphasizing the crucial role of volunteer support.
The discussion also touches upon safety measures in the race, including the use of trackers and a dedicated safety team, as Hayday-Brown reflects on the evolution of the race and the community it has built. Notably, he discusses the impact of outstanding performances, like that of Jasmine Paris, and the increasing allure of extreme challenges in the running world. He hints at upcoming changes that aim to further intensify the race's difficulty.
Finally, Hayday-Brown mentions the supportive communities along the route, exemplified by local residents who assist runners, dubbing them 'trail angels'. His passion for creating an event that enriches participants' lives is evident throughout the episode.
Key Takeaways
- The Spine race originated from Phil Hayday-Brown's experiences in polar travel, aiming to replicate that extreme experience in the UK.
- The race has evolved significantly since its inception, demonstrating increasing popularity and community support, largely driven by word-of-mouth.
- Safety measures have improved over the years, with the introduction of live tracking and a large number of volunteers essential for the race's success.
- Upcoming changes to the race are aimed at increasing its difficulty, ensuring it continues to challenge participants.
- The Spine has fostered a supportive community, featuring residents along the route who offer help to runners, enhancing the event experience.
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