Cape Wrath Ultra
Robert Barnes and Carol Morgan triumphed in the Cape Wrath Ultra 2018
Press Release / 29.05.2018
After strong races from both throughout the eight-day, 400km race in the north-west of Scotland, Robert, of England, finished 2 hours 6 minutes ahead of second placed Jim Mann, also of England.
In third place, Jamie Ramsay, a Gore Wear ambassador, was another hour and 24 mins behind Jim Mann.
After crossing the finish line at iconic Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point on the British mainland, Robert, 32, of Luton, said: “I have enjoyed the race and I am pleased to win. It has been a great week.
“I did struggle on the rockier terrain because I am not used to that but I like running on grass and heather and there has been enough of that.
“Fisherfield on day five was my hardest day but really I have been fine and suffered no injuries.”
Runner-up Jim Mann, 41, said: “The Cape Wrath Ultra has been a great race although tough for me. On day 3 I wasn’t sure I would be able to continue because I felt so fatigued due to illness but I have made it.
“I am tired now and relieved to have reached the finish line. I would like to go back to see all the great scenery that I didn’t fully appreciate while running.”
Jim also paid tribute to the winner. He said: “Robert ran a fantastic race. He nailed it and I am pleased for him.”
Third placed Jamie, 38, who is originally from Scotland and now living in London, said: “I smashed out the first 10k today but then my ankle tendon started to hurt a lot again. I have been in so much pain these last few days.
“I have had a fantastic time, though, and I have been very appreciative of all my fellow runners who have supported me throughout the event.
“I feel humbled by the Cape Wrath Ultra.”
Carol Morgan is first female in Cape Wrath Ultra 2018
Carol confirmed her place as one of the UK’s best ultra runners by winning the Cape Wrath Ultra 2018 by 2 hours and 42 minutes.
She finished in an impressive 12th place overall.
Last year, Carol won the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race® and the Montane Spine Race.
At the finish line yesterday, Carol, 44, originally from Ireland, said: “I feel great. Yesterday was a hard day for me and I felt fatigued after so many days of running. I think I was also mentally tired.
“So, it is great to reach Cape Wrath. It feels like we have run to the edge of the world.”
Carol, who finished in 55:11:53, and her husband Simon Franklin have treated the race as a holiday.
Simon, who finished some 10 hours behind his wife, said: “This is our summer holiday and we have had an amazing time.
“I had never been further north than Fort William on the west coast and we want to come back to see many fantastic places again.”
Runner up Sarah Witte, England, said: "It has been an amazing experience. I have been through every type of emotion from tears to joy.
"The people I have shared a tent with have been brilliant. There were all kinds of people and some I would not normally mix with but I have greatly enjoyed meeting them all. It has been inspiring."
Third placed Karoline, 47, of South Africa, said: "I had no idea what to expect in this race and I really did not think I would end up in third place.
“I think Carol and Sarah are much stronger than me although I did enjoy dancing through the grass near the beach with Sarah earlier today. But then she took off because she has more power in her quads than me.
“It has been a tough race but I have enjoyed myself very much. I think the end of the Cape Wrath Ultra was the best location of any race finish I have ever done. It was fantastic.”
Race director Shane Ohly, of Ourea Events, said: "It has been an incredible week and there are so many superlatives to describe the weather, scenery and participants.
"I have been impressed by all the competitors and I think Robert Barnes is a name to keep an eye on in future ultra-running races. I am also very pleased for Carol Morgan who has again showed her amazing strength and determination in these endurance events.
“I am very grateful to an amazing event team, including staff and volunteers, for all their support.
"What a successful week and we can’t wait until the next one.”
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