The Great Outdoors
The spine race’s rule change sets a dangerous precedent for women
The Spine Race – a 268-mile slog from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders – bills itself as Britain’s most brutal race. Tough as it was this winter, director Phil Hayday-Brown is reducing the time runners have to complete the race by 12 hours, citing safety concerns. But for some, this decision demonstrates lack of respect for back-of-the-pack runners, the majority of whom are women