Dominating the Fells: How the 2025 Montane Spine Race Was Led by Mountain King Trailblazer Poles
The Montane Spine Race, one of the most gruelling and recognisable endurance competitions worldwide, makes its mark on ultrarunning history every January and June. However, the 2025 summer version was more than just a test of human endurance; it was also a demonstration of superior equipment, with one item standing out as a silent winner: the Mountain King Trailblazer poles.
Not only did Trailblazer poles appear on the course this year, but they also took centre stage.
A Season of Unwavering Consistency, Firsts, and Thirds
Many of the top-placing athletes used Mountain King Trailblazers in the demanding conditions of the Summer Challenger South, MRT events, and the whole Spine Race. The outcomes are very clear:
1st place Montane summer challenger south 2025 – Women
1st place Montane Sumer Spine MRT challenger 2025 – Women
2nd place Montane Spine Challenger North Race 2025 – Women
3rd place Montane MRT Challenger South 2025– Men
3rd place Montane Summer Spine Sprint South 2025 – Men
3rd place Montane Summer Spine MRT Challenger 2025 – Women
4th place Montane Summer Spine Race 2025- Men
8th place Montane Summer Challenger south 2025 – Men
9th Place Montane Summer Spine Race 2025 – Men
TrailBlazer poles, which are usually seen in the hands of podium finishers, were a common sight among the top ten finishes in both genders and across many events. Notably, the poles' unrivalled durability and performance in adverse conditions are underlined by two first-place finishes and multiple top-three performances in both men's and women's events.
Built for the Spine: Why Trailblazers Succeed
For Kit, the Spine Race is a testing ground. Gear is put through a test that no lab could match over hundreds of kilometres of harsh terrain, which includes everything from steep hills to damp bogs. Because they were designed with British ultra-distance mountain conditions in mind, Mountain King's Trailblazer poles are unique.
The following explains their 2025 ascent to the top.
Ultra-Lightweight Without Compromise: The TrailBlazer series poles, weights as little as 100g for the Ultra, built with the highest grade carbon fibre available to the outdoor industry. Helping runners to save energy without compromising stiffness or support. This efficiency turns into a race-defining advantage in long-distance competitions like the Spine.
Collapsable and Packable: Depending on the terrain, runners may easily store and deploy the Trailblazers thanks to their small fold-down design, which makes them perfect for transition zones. Because every second counts in racing, this flexibility is essential.
Superb Grip and Comfort: Comfort is just as important as usefulness on long days in the mountains. The D hood stop of the RaceDay pole is designed to encourage sweat-wicking and ergonomic handles helped lessen hand fatigue, which is a little but significant aspect in keeping pace and confidence over long distances.
Durability that Delivers: Whether it was clattering through the Cheviots or hammering descents in the Pennines, these poles endured punishing abuse without faltering. Trailblazers weren’t just present at the start line—they were reliable finish-line companions.
The Gear Behind the Glory
While elite ultra runners credit physical and mental resilience for their performance, many were quick to point out that kit made the difference between surviving and thriving. Several podium finishers in 2025 reportedly chose the Trailblazer series over newer carbon alternatives, citing a superior balance of weight, strength, and handling.
Outperforming the Competition
Despite fierce competition from poles made by Leki, Black Diamond, and newer entrants into the ultrarunning space, Mountain King’s UK-based craftsmanship continues to shine. In the Spine Race, where homegrown terrain knowledge translates into design, this gives Mountain King a unique edge.
While other brands often chase global markets with broad appeal, Mountain King has focused on producing purpose-built tools for British trails. Their near-ubiquity among 2025’s top runners is no accident—it’s the result of deliberate design choices rooted in experience.
A Testament to User Trust
Perhaps the most telling statistic from the 2025 season is not just the number of podium finishes, but the range of categories where TrailBlazer poles proved dominant: from the full Summer Spine Race to the Challenger and MRT variants, across both men’s and women’s divisions.
This spread shows that it’s not just elites using them—they’re the trusted choice for mountain rescue athletes, mid-pack grinders, and front-runners alike. In a race known for variable conditions and brutal attrition, the Trailblazers stood tall in more than one way.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
With the 2025 Spine Race series setting new standards for competition and performance, the pressure is now on runners and manufacturers alike to raise the bar. But for Mountain King, 2025 is not just a moment of success—it’s a proof point for what their equipment can achieve in the world’s most punishing events.
As more athletes pore over kit lists for 2026 and beyond, there’s a clear lesson from this year: if you’re chasing podiums—or simply chasing the finish line—Trailblazer poles are the most field-tested, performance-backed choice available.
And as the mist closes in on the Pennine Way once again, there’s a good chance that the quiet click of a Trailblazer hitting rock will mark the rhythm of another Spine legend in the making.