Day four saw the Cape Wrath Ultra runners closing in on the half-way mark on their 400km journey from Fort William to Cape Wrath. The 35km (22 mile) route headed inland and through a vast and spectacular landscape of steep-sided mountains in the Torridon area of north-west Scotland.

After a challenging day three, many in the field of now 71 competitors were looking fatigued. They still faced 1400m of climbing today on some very rugged and boulder strewn terrain.

By the finish line, the runners had completed a total 197km and a total ascent of 6,100m.

*Race leader, Ian Stewart, on day 4 of the Cape Wrath Ultra ©No Limits Photography*

A mix of strength and fatigue

Front runner Ian Stewart (47), who still appeared to be pushing forwards, complained “somebody seems to have filled my legs with sand”.

Others were taking their time and wisely using the shorter course today as a recovery day.

Amazingly, there were some competitors that talked of legs that felt great and even some that said they were feeling stronger.

Charles Smith (31), who is second placed male and fourth overall, said: ”The legs are feeling great and this terrain is much easier to ‘dance’ on. I feel great after yesterday and it’s like I have broken myself into the race.”

Simon Blanchflower (97) said: “My legs are amazingly good after yesterday’s exertions.”

Alasdair Moore (85) said: “I feel like I am having a strong day although I am trying not to go too fast.”

As Sabrina Verjee (19), the third female overall, ran past the high lochan below the stunning rocky massif of the Beinn Eighe mountain range, she said: “I am feeling good today and I like this terrain. It is awesome.”

Just behind was Mike Brock (98), who said, while laughing: “I was trying to hold on to Sabrina but it is probably not the best idea. I think I will give it a rest now.”

In the same location almost halfway through the day’s run, Lisa Watson (3), currently third overall, said: “This is really nice today and there is quite a lot of running, which is good.”

Sally Fawcett (14), in second place overall and still running with Lisa, added: “I am enjoying it. The scenery is beautiful with lots of good running terrain.”

Lisa added: “I seem to be eating a lot today and it’s all going in well and then turning into pure energy, which is great.”

*Sally and Lisa enjoying the more runnable terrain on day 4 ©No Limits Photography*

Day 4: Tight knit trio in front three places

Despite saying he had tired legs, Ian Stewart ran nine minutes faster than Sally Fawcett and Lisa Watson today. The ladies, who have been running together for several days, finished the day’s course in 5 hrs 18 mins compared to Ian’s 5 hrs and 9 mins.

Sally and Lisa are still looking strong and the terrain is suited to the Dark Peak Fell Runners. They also enjoyed putting in an extra effort on the final descent to the finish line at Kinlochewe.

Lisa said: “We were moving pretty well today. It was quite hard round the back of Beinn Eighe but then we absolutely flew down the last descent and I think I will pay for that, although we did have a lot of fun doing it.

“Then I was cursing the last couple of kilometres to the finish line. I kept wondering where it was. It was good overall and nice to have a shorter day. Lots of it was really runnable.”

Follow the runners here

How are the participants feeling?

*Charles Smith passing through the Torridon hills - second placed male on day 2 ©No Limits Photography*

Day 4: Front-runner results

Top 3 females:

Sally Fawcett 5:18

Lisa Watson 5:18

Sabrina Verjee 5:35

Top 3 males:

Ian Stewart: 5:09

Charles Smith: 5:30

Alasdair Meldrum 5:56 Find out why he was running in his pants today

Overall female rankings:

Sally Fawcett 26:27

Lisa Watson 26:32

Sabrina Verjee 28:14

Overall male rankings:

Ian Stewart 25:21

Charles Smith 27:56

Ritchie Williamson 28:29

Top 5: Overall rankings: