Sarah Porter Withdraws from Montane Winter Spine Challenger South Amid Death Threats
Edale, Derbyshire, 14 January 2026 – Humanitarian entrepreneur Sarah Porter has been forced to retire from the Montane Winter Spine Challenger South ultramarathon after receiving death threats for her fundraising efforts to support girls’ education in Afghanistan.
Background on Sarah Porter
Sarah Porter, founder and CEO of InspiredMinds, a global community of over 220,000 experts in artificial intelligence, has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and education. She previously campaigned against the Trump administration’s travel ban to allow an Afghan girls’ robotics team to compete in the United States. Porter is also the co-founder of the SaRoya Institute, a STEAM school in Kabul, and has worked on evacuating Afghan nationals during the 2021 Taliban takeover.
The Spine Challenger South Race
The Montane Winter Spine Challenger South is a non-stop 108-mile ultramarathon along the Pennine Way, starting in Edale, Derbyshire, and finishing in Hardraw, North Yorkshire. It features challenging terrain including the Kinder Plateau, Malham Cove, and Pen-y-Ghent, with a time limit of 60 hours. The 2026 event began on 10 January 2026, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C and night-time lows of -10°C to 2°C.
Fundraising and Threats
Porter entered the race to raise awareness and funds for Afghan girls deprived of education under Taliban rule. Her GoFundMe campaign highlighted the surge in child marriages, the ban on women’s workforce participation, and restrictions on women’s public presence. However, she received death threats, prompting race organisers to pull her out for safety reasons. Porter stated she would continue her advocacy through other means, sharing the story of Afghan girls to amplify their voices.
Key Facts and Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 108 miles (174 km) |
| Total Ascent | 5,451 metres |
| Time Limit | 60 hours |
| Start Time | 08:00, 10 January 2026 |
| Finish Time | 20:00, 12 January 2026 |
| Sarah Porter’s Status | Retired at start |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Montane Winter Spine Challenger South?
It is a challenging ultramarathon race covering the southern section of the Pennine Way, known for its demanding terrain and harsh winter conditions.
Why did Sarah Porter withdraw?
She received death threats related to her advocacy for Afghan girls’ education, leading to her removal from the race for safety reasons.
How can people support her cause?
Donations can be made via her GoFundMe page to fund aid, travel documentation, and AI initiatives for humanitarian uses in Afghanistan.