Ultra-runners prepare for 400km journey to the north west tip of Scotland
Ultra-runners from 21 nations will soon begin a 400km journey to the north west tip of Scotland.
Competitors in the iconic Cape Wrath Ultra® will set out from Fort William on Sunday 21st May on an eight-day race to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point on mainland Britain. This year’s event has attracted a particularly strong field of female runners, and we are anticipating an exciting race.
The Cape Wrath Ultra® is organised by Ourea Events. We have a long track record of successfully delivering ultra races, with a commitment to responsible, sustainable practices.
The 185 ultra-runners who have signed up for the 2023 event will travel through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, including Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland. The race does not use any signs or waymarking to indicate the route. Participants can use a combination of traditional navigational skills with a map and compass, and modern GPS technology, if they wish, to follow the route. Our team will set up a campsite and catering each night, removing everything the following morning as they move north.
Competition looks fierce in the women’s field
The women’s race at the 2023 Cape Wrath Ultra® is set to be hotly contested. Over 30% of the competitors in the 2023 event are women, which is significantly higher than the average for a multi-stage ultra. Among the leading competitors who will be lining up are:
Elaine Bisson, who finished second in the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race and 2022 SILVA Northern Traverse
Elaine was second female in the 2022 SILVA Northern Traverse ©No Limits Photography
Sarah Perry, who recently set a new female record on the Lakes, Meres and Waters challenge, and in 2021 set a new fastest known time on the Coast to Coast route (Sarah was recently interviewed by the event team - Inspiring women of the Cape Wrath Ultra — Cape Wrath Ultra®)
Sarah on a recent adventure ©Will H P Photography
Debbie Martin-Consani, who was first female in the 2022 Montane Spine Race and has represented Scotland and Great Britain in 100km and 24 hour races
Jo Meek, who has a long track record of success in ultras, including the Marathon des Sables, The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica, Golden Ring Ultra Trail and more
Andrea Löw, who has completed several multi-stage-races, including Sahara Race Namibia and Gobi March, THE TRACK in Australia (a nine-stage 520km event), the Ultra Africa Race in Mozambique, and Ultra Asia Race in Vietnam.
“It’s always a huge privilege to accompany ultra runners from around the world on this journey through some of Scotland’s most stunning and spectacular scenery. We’ll all move north together, leaving nothing behind, and the camaraderie that develops during a multi-day event like the Cape Wrath Ultra is very special. At the same time, there will be some fierce competition at the front of the field, so we’re looking forward to another exciting race.”
Participants can take advantage of a shorter Cape Wrath Explorer option
For the first time this year, the Cape Wrath Ultra® will take place alongside a shorter option, for those who want to experience the journey through the Highlands, but don’t feel able to complete the full distance, or want to build up to that in a future year. The Cape Wrath Explorer has been pitched as a ‘choose-your-own adventure’ in which participants can decide to tackle part of the route each day, typically either the first half or the second half. Race organisers have built in flexibility so that runners can mix and match which half they attempt on any given day.
Both the Cape Wrath Ultra and the Cape Wrath Explorer pass through the stunning Scottish Highland landscape ©No Limits Photography
Follow the action!
It is looking to be an exciting and competitive few days of racing!
For the latest news on the race, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or find the event on Facebook. There will also be regular blog posts on the website. All participants will carry a GPS tracker so you can follow their journey live here:
Do you wish it were you you setting out on This stunning journey?
Has all the excitement inspired you for your own Cape Wrath Ultra journey?
Sign up for the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra or the shorter Cape Wrath Explorer and join us for 8 unforgettable days in the Scottish Highlands. Over 50% of entries are already gone, so enter now to secure your spot!
Sign up in May to save £100 with the early bird price, and take advantage of this exciting offer:
SPECIAL OFFER – SIGN UP IN MAY AND GET 50% OFF THE 2024 SCARPA GREAT LAKELAND 3DAY
The SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day event is the perfect practice event for the Cape Wrath Ultra - gain experience of a multi-day running event and test your kit and nutrition strategies while exploring the beautiful Lake District.
We will send everyone who signs up for the Cape Wrath Ultra this May an exclusive invitation for 50% off the 2024 SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day in June.
Take on an adventure of your own in 2024 ©No Limits Photography