How to win a Spine Race podium position
Rebecca Devereux's journey from novice runner to Spine Sprint top three
This week I sat down with Spine Sprint third place finisher Rebecca Devereux, a member of Black Trail Runners, to talk about her journey to the podium.
Rebecca Devereux never considered herself a runner. A busy mother and veterinary practice clinical director, her return to sport started with tennis, then group exercise classes. But when the COVID-19 lockdowns left her seeking an escape from work and home pressures, she reluctantly turned to running.
Living in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire she was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Pennines, yet found the steep hills intimidating. “I didn’t think I could run because it felt too hard. But I needed something to clear my head, so I just started going out,” she recalls. Initially, it wasn’t about the running—it was about finding time alone, away from the noise of daily life.
By 2022, she had built enough confidence to sign up for her first trail race: the Lakeland Trails 16km in Hawkshead. When she arrived at the start line, it quickly dawned on her that she was the only person of colour in the field. “I’d never really thought about it before because I was used to being in predominantly white spaces. But in that moment, I felt so visible, so out of place,” she says.
A week later, Devereux attended a film screening where Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder of Black Trail Runners, was speaking. “It was pure coincidence, but it was the first time I realised there were others who had the same experience as me,” she says. Inspired by their mission to diversify trail running, she became an active member.
Her running quickly escalated. Within six months, she jumped from 16km to a full trail marathon after spotting a sign for a local race and impulsively signing up. “I didn’t have a proper training plan—I just squeezed it into 12 weeks. It was painful, but I finished,” she laughs. A few months later, she completed her first ultra-distance event, the 76km Peak Divide, solidifying her love for endurance challenges.
Then last month, Devereux took on her biggest challenge yet: the Spine Sprint, a 46-mile race along the notoriously brutal Pennine Way. The idea had been niggling at her, but it was a message to Pace-Humphreys that gave her the final push. “Sabrina immediately said, ‘You can do this. If I lived where you do, I’d definitely sign up.’ That gave me the confidence to go for it.”
Living on the course was a huge advantage. “I’m a meticulous planner—I needed to know the route inside out. I trained on it relentlessly, in all weathers, so that when race day came, I knew exactly what to expect.”
One thing she didn’t expect was the attention she received for her race-day outfit: shorts. “I get hot when I run. I knew my kit, I knew my body, but at the start line, I doubted myself because everyone else was bundled up in layers.” She stuck with her decision, and it paid off. “By the first climb, people were overheating while I was comfortable.”
Despite her meticulous preparation, she still had doubts as she toed the line. “You read the WhatsApp groups, everyone discussing kit and strategy, and you start second-guessing yourself,” she admits. But once the race started, she focused on her own plan.
Initially, she wasn’t racing—just enjoying the experience, taking photos, stroking dogs and chatting at the mountain rescue team stations. But at Snake Pass, a marshal told her she was in second place. “I thought she must be mistaken,” Devereux recalls. But as she continued, she found herself running alongside other podium contenders. “I realised, if I’ve caught up with them, maybe I have a chance.”
From there, her mindset shifted. She began making tactical decisions—minimising stops, maintaining a steady effort, and keeping an eye on the runners behind her. As the finish line neared, paranoia crept in. “Every light behind me, I was convinced it was someone catching me.”
She crossed the line in third place, an achievement she never expected when she first set out on her trail running journey. “I’ve never been competitive in running before. I was just there to finish. But when I realised I could podium, something clicked.”
Looking ahead, Devereux isn’t rushing into the next big challenge. “The next step would be the Spine Challenger South, but that’s a huge jump in distance. I don’t want to do it until I know I’m ready.” For now, she has London Marathon, UTS, and OCC lined up—balancing road and mountain races while building experience.
Her involvement with Black Trail Runners remains a key focus. “Representation matters. If people see me doing this, maybe it will inspire them to give trail running a go.” The organisation is working on grassroots initiatives, social runs, and partnerships with race organisers to break down barriers. “We’re making progress, but real change requires intentional action.”
Her own journey—from hesitant beginner to podium finisher—proves what’s possible with the right support, representation, and a willingness to take that first step onto the trails.
Breaking barriers in the outdoors
Growing Community – Black Trail Runners has seen a 35% increase in members over the past year.
Increasing Representation – Ethnicity data from race organisers shows that participation from historically marginalised communities in trail races has risen from 0.3% in 2020 to 2.1% in December 2024.
More Women on the Trails – The community boasts a 60-40 female-to-male membership split, with most members aged 30-44, followed by 24-34 and 17-24.
Making History – In August, seven Black women will compete at UTMB in Chamonix, marking a historic moment for diversity in trail running.
Pick of the Week
With cold temperatures continuing my favourite piece of kit at the moment has to be my Bimble and Bolt ear muff. This was the best item in my running advent calendar and I wear it every single run at the moment. It covers my ears perfectly whilst letting heat escape from my head. Perfect for all of my trail bimbles.
Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. If you have any running news for me, let me know! Send feedback to lilycanter@yahoo.co.uk or suggest topics you’d like me to cover.
