Day 3: ‘I have fresh shoes and a fresh bra today so I’m happy’
With six runners either injured or having missed the final cut-off time yesterday, there were 78 on the start line for day three of the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021. They left Kinloch Hourn, on the shore of Loch Hourn, at 7am for the toughest day yet – and the one that is usually described as the hardest of the race.
The first challenge of the day was climbing through rocky, bouldery and pathless terrain to the highest point of the entire race at 720m. As they headed over the pass between two Kintail mountains of The Saddle and Sgùrr na Sgìne at around 9am, our race reporter caught up with some of the competitors to ask how they were feeling.
Runners making steady progress on day 3. ©No Limits Photography
Rocky descents on day 3. © No Limits Photography
Words from the field
Chris Webb (106) was the first of the day to pass the high point. He said: “It’s a relief that it is nice and cool today after yesterday’s heat. It is a bit rocky and pathless in places but I feel like I am going well. I am pleased I set off early.”
Colin McFadden (no.23) said: “The terrain is not good and much of the climbing up was pathless. It’s been pretty horrible and I have also hit my knee on a rock. But overall the race has been good.
Charles Smith (no.31) said: “it’s all so nice. I am really liking this.”
Jacqueline Toal (no.7) said: “I love this sort of technical terrain.”
Ed Brooks (no.40) said: “It’s been a tough start today but it looks better now and we are going downhill.”
Selina McCole (no.51) said: “It’s particularly rough on this section but my legs are okay and I am holding up I think." Read the blog about Selina: “It will be tough but there are greater hardships.”
Marco Castelo (no.91) said: “This bit is like running through a building site!”
Ritchie Williamson (no.72), who started day 3 in joint second position overall, said: “The terrain is horrible just now but the rest has been lovely so far.”
Paul Jarvis (no.41) said: “It was a good slog uphill and I am used to this sort of terrain and I feel vaguely confident. I am happy with this. The conditions are much better after yesterday’s melt-fest.”
Lynsay Hay (no.9) said: “It has been a bit rocky but manageable. I find it challenging and I feel quite slow. However, I am feeling a lot better than I was hoping for so I am very pleased.”
Geoff Osbaldestin (no.26) said: “The climb made me quite silent. I had some chocolate, which means I am a bit giddy now!”
Cath Bunn (no.50) said: “I have fresh shoes and a fresh bra today so I am happy. The climb was quite hard but there are a few of us chatting and having good banter. I am happy to be where I am and I am still feeling okay.”
Sabrina Verjee (no.19), who is in third female place overall, said: “The terrain is not easy and the climb was very midgey but my legs are fine. I found it hard on the first day but it’s been okay since then. I am enjoying it.”
Sabrina’s husband Ben Turner (no.20) was not far behind. He said: “I love this terrain. I am used it because I live in the Lake District. I’m not so good at running on the flat but I like this sort of terrain. My legs felt terrible yesterday but they feel good today so I am happy.”
Bee Leask (no. 2) said: “I am up in the mountains today and that’s my happy place. My legs are ok although I am trying not to think about it. I love Kintail and I am familiar with it so I am very happy. I just hope I can get through today.”
Ian Stewart (47), who is in first place overall, said: “I am loving this. I love this terrain and the more slimy and slippery the better for me.”
Lisa Watson (no.3), who is second female overall, said: “I love this type of terrain. It’s all good.”
Sally Fawcett (no.14), who is the fastest female so far, said: “I love the technical stuff and it’s not so hot today, so it’s great. I like the bits that are off path.”
Kirsty Oliver (no.24) said: “I am on my own today because my friend was injured yesterday when she fell. She can’t continue. I am ok today and staying steady. I like this terrain. But yesterday ended up being very hard. I am just thankful my legs feel okay today and I can keep going on, one step at a time.”
Competitors had a river crossing before the finish line on day 3. ©No Limits Photography
Day 3: Soundbites from the finish line
Charles Smith (no.31) said: “It was really fun today. I have surprised myself today and it was the longest I have ever run.
“The last two days I have run with a friend but it felt really good today and I found the route a lot more runnable. It was a really nice route.
“I ran with the top three finishers for a lot of the day, which was great for the chat. I couldn’t keep up with them towards the end. I am happy with today.”
Chris Webb (no.106) said: “It was a good day out. This is my first multi-day race but I wanted to see more of this area and the race seemed like a good way to do that.
“I was feeling a lot better today than I thought would yesterday. I am really pleased with my finish time.”
Alasdair Moore (no.85) said: “It was pretty brutal. There was a real mix in weather and terrain. I went through some difficult times and I had to get my head down and grind it out. I am really chuffed to be here now.
“It was a lovely course, especially now I have finished. I am very chuffed to finish it.”
Marco Castelo (no.81) said: “It was tough. The terrain was difficult to run, so short distances took a long time to do. Over time it accumulates, so it was very tough.”