Day 3: The toughest day yet as runners venture through Kintail
After a tough second day through Knoydart, 155 participants started day 3 on the Cape Wrath Ultra this morning, with a further 14 opting for a shorter day on the Explorer course.
This is the longest day yet, with over 68km of trails to conquer between Kinloch Hourn and Achnashellach. Today, the journey took our participants through the breath-taking landscape of Wester Ross. With the giant Munros of Kintail dominating the skyline, this section allows runners to get a sense of their own significance in the colossal landscape.
One particular highlight of the route today was the breath-taking Falls of Glomach, one of the highest and most isolated waterfalls in Scotland. However, the day also gave the runners a rare chance to pass through civilization, with a small section of road through the picturesque village of Shiel Bridge, which sits at the head of a beautiful sea loch.
The rocky terrain provided an extra challenge ©No Limits Photography
There was nervous excitement on the start line this morning
The start pen was once again full of participants keen to make an early start at 7am this morning. Although there was still the buzz of excitement and anticipation, it was clear Knoydart had taken its toll, with runners certainly seeming wearier today.
Jan Rogers was feeling positive about the day ahead, though . She said, “I'm nervous! Today is supposed to be a tough day isn't it. We'll be waiting to get to day 3 - get day 3 over, then we're well into the race then I think - or the adventure I should say.”
For her, meeting like-minded people has been an integral part of her experience. “The camp's amazing – really, really good fun, and our tent's ace – lots of laughing! Everybody’s so motivated to get finished, everybody is like 'let’s do it!'”
Barry Hirons and Andrew Sigsworth had teamed up together and were moving well as they strode out of the start line and into the wilds of Kintail.
Barry and Andrew are met at the final river crossing by an unusual supporter ©No Limits Photography
Andrew said, “It's fun – lots of good people and it’s well-organised. It's been a good couple of days, so I think we're both just looking forward to the rest of it now.”
“It's a steady day isn't it? It's one of those days you just can't push, therefore you've just got to take it as it comes. It's not one of those days you really plan, you just say, right it's a steady day. Make the cut-offs - keep moving forwards."
He was looking forward to another day of the Scottish Highlands, saying “The views yesterday were fantastic – if it's anything like yesterday it will be a good day.”
With this being a high mileage day, many runners set out conservatively, keen to save their legs for the energy-sapping climbs along the route. However, with a cut-off just beyond the waterfalls, runners can’t afford to dawdle for too long if they are planning to complete the full Cape Wrath Ultra route.
Some runners made the most of the river crossings for a wash ©No Limits Photography
Shiel Bridge provided a welcome relief following the hills of Kintail
Runners had a rare encounter with civilization as they came into the village of Shiel Bridge. The short section of road gave runners a chance to stretch their legs and clock some faster miles following a section of trickier more technical rocky and muddy terrain over the hills of Glenshiel.
We also managed to catch up with Andrew Sigsworth and Barry Hirons again, having last seen them setting off out of camp early this morning. Both were moving well and were comfortably within the guidance time of 11:30.
Andrew said, “It feels good when you get through the checkpoints with time in the bank. You couldn't ask for better weather. Beautiful views as well. If you can't enjoy running round here, where can you?”
As we were catching up with Andrew and Barry, lead runner David Parrish also came through at a blistering pace. Despite his speed, he was still happy to chat as he ran along this faster road section. He was looking forward to being met by his dad at the Falls of Glomach.
“I'd like to get a photo with him at the Falls of Glomach if he's not lost,” he said with a laugh.
He seemed to be going strong as ever, with his head clearly in the race, but admitted that he was looking forward to a chance to slow down a bit.
He said, “I can't wait for the hills - it's an excuse to walk. I'm probably overdoing it as per. I always feel like I've overcooked it and hang on for dear life - it's the best strategy.”
His competitive edge hasn’t prevented him from enjoying the camaraderie of the race though. “Everyone’s very friendly. I’ve got very good tent mates, especially Michael Bray who I share a pod with.”
The leading woman, Jo Meek was not far behind David, and was looking particularly strong on the faster-paced section of road.
She said, “I'm not very good at technical stuff so that was quite hard coming down there, but I'm just so pleased it wasn't raining. We've had good weather – we couldn’t ask for more.”
Jo has had an impressive performance so far, but she is conscious of not going out too hard. She said, “I am enjoying this faster section in theory, but I don't feel like I'm going very fast. It's about conservation today I think. You never know how to gage these things and I've just run as I felt.”
Jo tackling one of the many river crossings ©No Limits Photography
Irish runner Annette Haines was looking determined as she came running through the checkpoint. She said, “I like to finish what I started. I started so I'll finish it. We're heading towards my favourite bit of Scotland here.”
Jane Williams was also in high spirits when we caught up with her passing through Shiel Bridge. Jane is back with something to prove, having retired on Day 3 of the race last year.
She said, “It’s going better than last year. It's still tough, but it's really nice and better views than there was last year. I've got here about 20 minutes faster than I did last year as well. I just want to make sure I hit the cut off, then that will ease off some of the pressure to the final bit.”
Scottish runner, Kenny Alexander is delighted to finally be running the Cape Wrath Ultra, having originally signed up just before Covid hit.
While he had some niggles, he was still in excellent spirits and cracking jokes as he came running past the response team.
He said, “You've got to keep your sense of humour up. I'm just putting one foot in front of the other and what I manage is what I manage. I’m hoping to complete today, even if I get in late, I don't care, as long as I'm ahead of the cut-off times.”
After Shiel Bridge, the runners had to keep moving to make the cut-off time, which was just after the famous Falls of Glomach. More than any other day, there was certainly a sense of urgency amongst the participants towards the back of the pack today.
Annette heading through the stunning valleys ©No Limits Photography
Meek and Parrish are still comfortably in the lead
Meek and Parrish have continually proven their strength in the race, with both runners putting even more time into their fellow competitors. Meek and Parrish now both have over an hour on those in second place.
Parrish spent much of the day running with Sam Hill, who in third place, but appears to be steadily gaining on Spanish runner, Fernando in second place. The pair hugged at the finish after what was a long day for both.
Parrish said, “It was long! The last top was quite blowy. The weather was good today but it was a bit windy on top.”
He enjoyed running with Sam for a bit. “Sam's running really well. I was relying on him for navigation," he joked.
"It just got a bit competitive. We were having a chat but he stopped for a gel. Before, I could see him for ages and it felt like he was getting away, but I caught him at Beallach."
David is having a fantastic run ©No Limits Photography
Jo Meek also looked strong and has a strong lead on Elaine Bisson in second.
She particularly enjoyed the final run into camp. “That descent then was the best bit. That was really cool. I got a bit apprehensive at the top because I was on my own and it was really misty, but I got there.”
It’s not just her running that’s impressive – her organisational skills have also given her an edge in a race that is as much about personal admin as it is running.
“You go through the motions of admin, rest, cheer everyone on and do it all again tomorrow. My admin's pretty good anyway but I'm definitely finding habits. It's all good!”
Jo Meek is interviewed for a live webinar at camp 3 ©No Limits Photography
Emotions were high at the finish line today
While the leaders are in camp early enough for a good rest, many runners were coming into camp late into the night. There were many tears and hugs at the finish. American runner, Molly Weeber and Chilean runner Martìn Del Valle were the final runners in this evening, just a few minutes apart. Molly went back to hug Martìn, claiming “You were what kept me going!”
The camaraderie that is forming among the runners is phenomenal, with so many stories emerging of participants supporting each other and picking each other up during their low moments, whether that’s at the front of the field or the back of the pack. The resilience and determination of these runners coming in late and night, and therefore having less time to recover, is inspiring to watch.
However, not all runners today will have made the cut-off times, which are there in place to make sure everyone is safely off the hill in time for nightfall.
Their journey is not over yet though. Many runners will have continued non-competitively on the Cape Wrath Explorer course. This allows them to continue with their journey on either the full days or half days, so they can still enjoy the beautiful wilderness of Scotland without the pressures of racing.
There were some emotional and uplifting moments on the finish line ©No Limits Photography
Tomorrow takes our runners to the dramatic heights of Torridon
While runners may be grateful for a slightly shorter day tomorrow, it will still certainly be a challenge, with some taxing climbs over some lofty mountain passes. Tomorrow the runners will really find themselves immersed in the mountains of Scotland as they enjoy the dramatic views of the rugged and wild Torridon. You can follow their progress via the live GPS tracking.
The stunning mountain scenery was a highlight of the day ©No Limits Photography
THE LEADERBOARD SO FAR:
FASTEST 3 MEN:
David Parrish (18:12:22)
Fernando Alvarez (19:26:26)
Sam Hill (20:00:20)
FASTEST 3 WOMEN:
Jo Meek (20:38:06)
Elaine Bisson (22:27:59)
Jana Szczepaniak (23:21:02)
FASTEST 3 MEN on day 3:
David Parrish (08:33:18)
Sam Hill (08:58:39)
Fernando Alvarez (09:07:19)
FASTEST 3 WOMEN on day 3:
Jo Meek (09:30:34)
Elaine Bisson (10:19:35)
Jana Szczepaniak (10:51:25)
Jana is in third place and is going strong ©No Limits Photography
ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS?
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!
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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.
The mountain journey is something special ©No Limits Photography