Cape Wrath Ultra 2016 - Entries Open 5th June 2015

Above: Stormy weather in Knoydart in early May 2015 as the planning team of Gary Tompsett and Shane Ohly, joined by Claire Maxted and Sarah Ryan from Trail Running Magazine, make their way along the race route. There will be a major feature previewing the Cape Wrath Ultra™ in the next issue, out 9th July 2015. © Ben Winston

Entries for the Cape Wrath Ultra, one of the most anticipated ultra running events of 2016, will open on Friday 5th June 2015.

The Cape Wrath Ultra™ is an 8-day expedition race weaving 400km through the Highlands of Scotland. Starting in Fort William, the race will take competitors on an incredible wilderness journey linking ancient footpaths and remote tracks to the furthest northwesterly point of the British Isles, Cape Wrath. The event will take place 22nd-29th May 2016.

The race route is based on the Cape Wrath Trail, which is considered to be the toughest long distance backpacking trail in the UK. It crosses rugged landscapes, genuine wilderness and has great distances between support points. Hikers usually take at least 20 days to complete the trail. The Cape Wrath Ultra™ route is similar to the Cape Wrath Trail course but has been fine tuned for runners.

With almost 1000 runners having pre-registered their interest in the event, competition for the limited number of entries is anticipated to be high by the organisers. 

Event Director, Shane Ohly explained why there has been such interest in the event, “The Scottish landscape is incredible and our route through the Highlands provides a genuine wilderness experience. Competitors will have none of the complex logistical worries that hikers have when completing the similar Cape Wrath Trail, as we will be providing food, tented accommodation and comprehensive support. Our experience of delivering other complex events like the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ means we are uniquely placed to organise an event like this in remote areas of Scotland.” 

Above: Race Director and Planner, Gary Tompsett (right) and Event Director, Shane Ohly (left) pictured in Knoydart for the Trail Running Magazine feature. Shane and Gary believe that the Cape Wrath Ultra™ can become the European equivalent to races like the Marathon de Sables. © Ben Winston

He continued, “I genuinely believe that the Cape Wrath Ultra™ can become the European equivalent to races like the Marathon de Sables, such is the quality of the challenge and the Scottish landscape. To complete our route over 8 days offers a massive, but attainable, challenge for experienced runners and adventurers.”

The event website has been updated in the last few days with lots of detailed information for potential competitors to absorb. This includes further information on the Event Format, Overnight Campsites, Competitor Food, Transport of Competitor Kit, Clothing and Equipment, Start Times, Event Safety, and a call for Volunteer Marshals to help support the event. 

Race organiser, Shane Ohly is also responsible for the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ and the obvious question to ask is how these two events will compare?

He responded, “Overall the Cape Wrath Ultra™ is more runable than the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ with a course that seeks out the easiest route through the mountains, rather than linking mountain summits; therefore there is significantly less height gain each day. Although the Cape Wrath Ultra™ is 100km further this is spread over 8 days rather than 5, and the majority of the running is along tracks and paths; therefore, despite the additional distance, on average the terrain is easier. However, I must add an important caveat as some short sections of the course are very rough indeed and these will be a significant test for competitors. We will also be tempering the navigational challenge by providing detailed route information in advance (GPX data that can be preloaded into a GPS) and providing annotated maps describing the route.”

With a course winding through the beautiful lochs, glens and mountains of the Scottish Highlands, the Cape Wrath Ultra™ traverses through some of the Worlds most inspirational landscapes, including Morar, Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland.

Secure* your place HERE

*150 places: First come, first served.