Dr Alice Willson - Spine Challenger North guest blog

18th March 2026

In January 2026, I took part in the Spine Challenger North – a non-stop ultramarathon spanning 160 miles of the Pennine Way, from Hawes to Kirk Yetholm. I did so as a personal adventure, but also to raise awareness and funds for charities, including Mums for Lungs.

I am a Manchester-based paediatrician with a respiratory interest; I am also mum to two primary school-age children and a keen fell runner. For the last few years I have undertaken fellowships in public health and policy, often working on air pollution. I see the terrible impacts of air pollution in my clinical practice, and the undeniable link with health inequalities – access to clean air should be a human right.

I know the importance of making policy-level changes, which is why I support the brilliant campaigning of Mums for Lungs.

Why an ultramarathon?

Prior to the Spine Challenger North I was an experienced fell runner, but the furthest I’d ever run was 60 miles. People ask what possessed me?

“Honestly, I was swayed by the media videos of women in the 2025 race proving what women could do and setting amazing examples to their children. I love a challenge, and to try things I’m not sure I can succeed at.”

Training for a 160 mile race

I trained pretty hard for the event throughout a very soggy northern autumn and winter. In December, instead of watching Christmas concerts with my kids, I was trudging through icy bog on the Scottish borders. In early January, while others kick started their exercise regime, I was packing and repacking huge amounts of kit – 20 pairs of gloves, anyone?!

The race itself…

*Alice at the finish line. Image: Wild Aperture Photography*

The race was unquestionably the hardest thing I have ever undertaken. In total, I was on my feet for nearly 60 hours. Of that, 44 hours were in darkness. The first two days were torrential rain, which translated to snow and ice at higher altitudes. I ran the first 60 miles, much of it on sheet ice and frozen bog – I fell so many times I lost count.

Overall, I slept for 30 minutes and by the end I was falling asleep on my feet, wondering where I was and why. I finished the race unable to weight bear on my left leg due to injury, and crying in pain.

“But I did it! And astonished myself by coming 3rd female and 11th overall, in a race where 40% of entrants didn’t even finish. ”

As previous Spine winner Lucy Gossage said, “choosing to suffer is a privilege”. This race gave me the opportunity to be independent, self-sufficient, deep in Britain’s beautiful countryside, with everything the weather could throw at me. Yes, it was incredibly hard, but I also learnt so much about myself and what it means to be alive. I feel very lucky.

Afterwards!

*Alice at the end of the race. Image: Wild Aperture Photography*

After finishing, I slowly made my way through all the messages of support from friends, family and the wider community. I was absolutely blown away by their interest and generosity.

So far, my fundraising page has raised more than £3000 for charity and hopefully, a good few clicks on the Mums for Lungs webpage.

Thanks in particular to Liz Godfrey (Manchester MfL) and the Greater Manchester Healthy Air Coalition for their enthusiasm for my mad adventure!

A note from Mums for Lungs

Alice, you are truly inspiring. What an achievement - you’ve smashed your goal of setting an amazing example to your children! Thank you so much for choosing us as one of the charities to fundraise for whilst taking part in this incredible challenge.