Cape Wrath Ultra
A Switch Up In The Field As The Weather Turns
Press Release / 24.05.2024
There was some good old Scottish drizzle to see our participants out of camp this morning. Today was another shorter day of 44km, but as many runners will have learnt yesterday – shorter doesn’t necessarily mean easier. There were still some climbs to contend with, plus a wonderful albeit tricky descent into camp just to finish off already-tired quads.
Today the participants journeyed through the Fisherfield area – an area known as ‘the Great Wilderness’ due to its complete lack of any permanent settlements. However, the usual views of the sharp and rugged Fisherfield Munros (such as the famous ridge of An Teallach) were somewhat dampened today by the thick cloud which cloaked much of the landscape.
The route commenced today with a rare section of road, taking runners away from camp and into the little village of Kinloch Ewe before heading into the wilderness. However, just because it’s flat certainly didn’t mean it was easy – on tired legs and battered feet, the small stretch of tarmac can actually be more painful than the steep climbs and softer bogs.
We caught up with some of the runners this morning as they made it out of camp. They are now halfway through their journey, and to have made it this far is an achievement in itself.
Andy Perry was one of the participants we spoke to as he came through. He said, “It was nice to get a bit of a rest yesterday so hopefully I have enough to get me through today. I feel okay about today, but I’m a bit worried about Day 7 which is about 1100m, but I’m just taking every day as it comes.”
Wiebke Lammers is running the Cape Wrath Ultra® having volunteered last year. She was running well when we saw her coming out of camp. She said, “I took yesterday as a recovery day after Day 3. Day 3 really knocked me, and then yesterday my quads went into strike, but they’re actually a lot better this morning. I’m trying to take this maybe one notch back – that’s the plan!”
Jay Grady hosts the popular Trail and Error podcast and is now running the Cape Wrath Ultra® having completed the Hatchling course on the Dragon’s Back Race® last year. He said, “I’m starting to feel the aches and pains now. I’m looking forward to getting today out the way in a restrained way so I can take on Day 6 – just don’t blow it today. It’s all cumulative now. Every day is relative on what’s gone into the legs before. I’m just keeping it all under control, not getting nervous and running nice and loose.”
“The scenery’s all just amazing. The climb yesterday was lovely. I sat down and had a moment just to take it all in!”
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