Montane, the British outdoor clothing specialist, has once again been named as headline sponsor of this year’s Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra, a gruelling 55-mile circular route that takes in some of the largest hills in the border region, in a move that sees the race branded as the ‘Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra’.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 4th December, starts with a two-mile climb out of the village of Ingram, Northumberland, with the race totalling a collective ascent of 95,000ft. The unmarked route spans 55 miles of harsh winter trails, hills, and bogs through the Cheviots and is the first non-stop race of its kind to cover the area.
Additionally, the sponsorship sees Montane unveil the ‘Cheviot Goat Strava Challenge’, a challenge that has given participants just over two weeks to clock up 50km, to encourage individuals to get active this winter and provide a taste of what an ultra-run will entail. The winner of the Strava Challenge will be given a place in the Montane Cheviot Goat 2022.
Montane’s Global Marketing Manager, Matthew Hickman, commented: “At Montane we place the utmost importance on aligning ourselves with events that seamlessly fit the Montane values and heritage. The Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra is just that – a daring, challenging race pitting participants against the extremes of the outdoors. We look forward to seeing what challenges the race brings to runners on the day.”
This year the race launches its new route for 2021; a 95% off-road course that has been specifically designed to allow for the regeneration of sensitive ecological areas such as peat bogs and avoid protected bird species. Further changes to the route have also been put in place due to Storm Arwen, which has caused substantial damage throughout the route
The race is set with a 24-hour cut-off time in place for participants to complete the course and return to Ingram to cross the finish line. A donation from each entry will go to the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team who provide safety support for runners on the route.
Drew Swinburne, race organiser said: “The Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra is a ruthless and highly challenging race, which pushes participants to their limits, combining a lung-bursting ascent with harsh winter trails. We knew that a race of this magnitude required a suitable sponsor – someone who embodies the spirit of the cheviots while being renowned within the outdoor industry. We couldn’t have found a more fitting partner than Montane. A brand that encourages wearers to push themselves into the unknown and test what they are capable of, which is exactly what this challenge entails.”
Montane has been providing innovative, lightweight, and breathable clothing and equipment for over 25 years, specifically designed for endurance sports and activities in some of the world’s harshest and most extreme environments. Alongside the Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra, Montane has recently sponsored races such as the Lapland Arctic Ultra, the Dragon’s Back Race, and the George Fisher Tea Round, amongst others.
(Image: Montane ambassador Simon Roberts competing in The Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra)