Enhancing Event Safety and Experience at Cape Wrath Ultra® with YB Tracking
By YB Tracking
The Scottish Highlands are a breathtakingly beautiful and remote landscape, defined by sweeping moors, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. This unspoiled wilderness is a fitting backdrop for many of Ourea Events' most iconic endurance and adventure challenges because their mission is simple - deliver world-class events that challenge and empower participants, while celebrating the beauty of adventure.
The Cape Wrath Ultra encompasses just that. The event is Scotland’s finest multi-stage ultra-running event. The 400km, 8-day race starts in Fort William and finishes at Cape Wrath with the journey seeing participants wind through the world's most inspirational landscapes, including Knoydart - one of the most remote places in Britain. The map highlighting the runner's route goes some way to illustrate the ultra's mountainous and challenging terrain.
Further into the wilderness during Day Two of the Cape Wrath Ultra ©No Limits Photography
Addressing Safety in Remote Locations
Scotland's Highland terrain is predominantly remote, making reliable, real-time tracking challenging. With up to 300 runners dispersed across the course, implementing a dependable live tracking system is essential to uphold the highest safety standards for the race.
Satellite is the Solution
Safety is the primary driver behind Ourea Events' adoption of a satellite tracking solution. Mobile coverage simply couldn’t reach nor connect racers with the event team when tackling the moors and hills of the Highlands. With reliable global coverage via the Iridium satellite network, participants are tracked with their precise location known at all times, and in real-time, enhancing race safety and giving peace of mind too.
Complete coverage is pivotal to Ourea Events' decision to equip runners with satellite trackers, but the tracking solution also had to deliver much more:
Lightweight: Runners already endure a gruelling physical challenge, so the tracker had to be compact and lightweight, ensuring it wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to their gear.
Waterproof: Given the Highlands’ unpredictable and often rainy weather, the tracker needed to be durable enough to withstand wind, rain, and other harsh conditions.
Long Battery Life: For an eight-day event, the tracker had to provide reliable battery power for the entire duration of the race.
Two-Way Messaging: To further enhance race safety, the tracker should also offer a vital SOS lifeline, allowing participants to communicate with event organisers for assistance, medical support, or help.
The YB3 Handheld Tracker
The YB3 Handheld Tracker is an ideal solution to connect runners in the Cape Wrath Ultra because it delivers the key features required in this unique race.
The device is lightweight and compact. It’s super easy for participants to clip onto a runner's race vest without adding significant weight or bulk, ensuring it doesn't interfere with their running performance. Durable and waterproof, the YB3 excels in the Highlands' rugged and wet conditions and promises a long battery life. Users can also send and receive text-based messages - providing a lifeline in an emergency and the ability to keep in touch with family and friends throughout the race. These essential features are all underpinned by the reliable coverage of satellite connectivity.
Enjoying the changing terrain ©No Limits Photography
Onto 2025
Already sold out for May 2025, it’s clear the Cape Wrath Ultra remains high on ultra runners bucket lists as one of the most sought-after multi-stage events in Scotland. Partnering with YB Tracking, the YB3 has become a cornerstone of Ourea Events’ event safety strategy, providing peace of mind for participants and their loved ones while reinforcing their reputation for organising safe, world-class events.
The YB Tracking team will be on-site during event registration and for the race start, offering hands-on support and guidance to ensure participants are confident using the YB3 devices. This in-person approach streamlines the implementation process and enhances participant confidence using the trackers throughout their journey. The Race Director of Ourea Events, Darren Graham, comments, "YB Tracking has consistently maintained a professional approach, helping us make the Cape Wrath Ultra one of the safest events around."
The collaboration has redefined how Ourea Events manages race safety in remote environments. With a shared commitment to participant welfare, YB Tracking looks forward to continuing the partnership and supporting Ourea Events into 2025 and beyond.
Interested in taking part in the Cape Wrath Ultra?
Entries are sold out for 2025 but we know plans change, so the chance of a place becoming available is highly likely. Be sure to join the waiting list to be notified as soon as a place becomes available!