Cape Wrath Ultra
Tough Climbs and Sweeping Landscapes Through Torridon
Press Release / 24.05.2024
For many runners, Day 4 is a welcome treat. A shorter day at only 35km, it doesn’t have the same time pressure of Day 3. However, runners underestimate day 4 at their own peril. The day was characterised by steep climbs, imposing mountain ridges which rise steeply out of the glens, and pathless terrain which required a keen eye on navigation. The route through Torridon is tough, but it’s often cited by participants as one of the highlights. The challenging heat of the last few days though made way for a much more pleasant temperature, with some cloud cover and a breeze, before the traditional Scottish rain set in later on in the afternoon.
Stunning Views of Torridon
Checkpoint 1 today was in an absolutely breath-taking location. Tucked away in Glen Torridon, Beinn Eighe is the Munro which dominates the landscape here, and many runners were paid a visit by Callum, the friendly stag which keeps a watchful eye on the car park here.
Many runners were feeling much more optimistic today. Having made it through the challenges of Day 3, they started today with a confidence boost, and the reassurance that with the shorter distance, the cutoffs seem much more within reach. Plus, the cooler conditions of the day meant runners were enjoying the light breeze following the sweltering conditions of the first three days.
We spoke to a few of the runners as they climbed up alongside the dramatic backdrop of the Beinn Eighe massif.
Christine Caldwell had a smile on her face and was moving well when we caught her.
She said, “The beat just gets better and better every day. I’m glad to have got through day 3 – that was the real test. Having been on the Event Team the past two years, I ‘ve seen that. Today the pressure is off.”
Taz De Page from Belgium is now back for a third year in a row and seemed in excellent spirits when we caught him. He said, “I’m very good, better than expected!”
“Three years ago this was the day I had to forfeit, so it was an emotional day, so I’m glad I’m feeling so good!”
Iain Young was also looking strong. “It’s been a lot better this morning. A lot cooler. I wasn’t feeling great first thing in the morning but I got up and got moving. I’ll just plough on and get it done. I’m not going to rush it. I’m glad I’m still in it!”
Tim and Will Robinson were enjoying their day as they climbed out of the glen. The father-son duo are doing the race together, after Will entered the race in 2022 and had to retire due to an injury.
“It’s been lovely – wonderful!” said Tim, who was in good spirits.
Will said, “It’s been so good! It’s nice to see views compared to 2022. It’s been epic doing it with my Dad, he’s doing pretty well!”
This day holds a special significance for Will, being the day he pulled out on two years ago. He said, “It’s all new after this, and the views are honestly off the chart!”
Wiebke Lammers was also moving well and had a smile on her face when she came past. She was particularly enjoying the climbs and the more mountainous terrain. She said, “I’m going to take it easier today and tomorrow and save myself for 6. Yesterday was so tough, and Day 6 is even longer – there’s a lot of running!”
Stephen Cousins, who is well known from his YouTube account Film My Run, was moving well but had also found yesterday tough. He said, “Yesterday was so tough. I wanted to quit so many times, and then I had a stern talking to from my wife. I’ve woken up feeling so much better!”
Following this climb, runners were treated to incredible views of the famous triple buttresses of Coire Mhic Fhearchair before winding round behind the back of Beinn Eighe before dropping into camp at Kinloch Ewe.
Wet Weather Sets In
Camp 4 was in another beautiful spot, nestled in the shadow of the high Torridon mountains. Many runners took the opportunity to go for a dip in the nearby river, while others enjoyed refuelling on chips. The dry but breezy conditions of the morning eventually gave way to the wetter weather more commonly associated with the Scottish Highlands, so later finishers were keen to get warm and dry in the communal marquee.
Morgan and Taylor Hang on to their Leads
It’s been another exciting day of racing. Elsa Morgan managed to extend her lead on Bridget Glaister again, and is now 13 minutes ahead of Bridget. Meanwhile, US runner Erin Smith is still in third place, and was looking strong as she climbed out of Glen Torridon today. However, with only half the race done, there is still plenty of time for there to be a change up in the field.
Meanwhile, in the men’s field, Lewis Taylor is now over an hour ahead of Swiss runner Ludwig Antilli in second place. Danny Smith has now moved up into the third place after slowly sneaking his way up the field, and putting in a particularly strong performance today and yesterday.
However, while the feats of these amazing athletes have been phenomenal, the challenge is arguably even tougher for those at the back of the pack, who are out on their feet all day, chasing cut-offs, and having significantly less time to rest at camp afterwards.
Meanwhile, many of the participants on the Explorer course have been enjoying a wonderful journey without the same time pressure of cut offs. Whether you’re at the front of the pack, just making the cut offs or an Explorer, it’s been a challenging but rewarding adventure nonetheless.
While Fort William seemed like months ago to many participants, they are now still only halfway through their journey.
Tomorrow, the views continue to get even better. Another shorter day of 44km will take our runners even further into the wilderness, into the stunning Fisherfield
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