Day Eight on the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra® – Danny Smith and Bridget Glaister are this year's winners
The Cape Wrath Lighthouse. An iconic symbol of the most northwesterly tip of mainland Scotland. It’s something participants on the Cape Wrath Ultra® have been dreaming about for a very long time, and today, they finally reached it at the end of their 8 day journey.
This year’s podium at the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra® ©No Limits Photography
Danny Smith and Bridget Glaister are the winners
Bridget Glaister and Danny Smith are this year’s winners after a stunning performance.
The women’s field has been particularly competitive this year, with Bridget Glaister and Elsa Morgan fighting hard for first place. The pair were both seen pushing hard up the road at the beginning of the day today. However, eventually it was Bridget who emerged victorious, after a stunning performance throughout the race.
Bridget looked strong as she began the moorland section on the way to Sandwood Bay this morning. She said, “I’m so looking forward to the lighthouse. I’ve just go to get the job done! My legs are fine but my feet are sore!”
Bridget Glaister reaches the finish! ©No Limits Photography
Elsa has done incredibly well, and has finished in 2nd place, less than an hour behind Bridget. Charlotte Hurst finished in third place, after putting in a consistently strong performance day in and day out. Her achievement is made all the more impressive by the fact she has Type 1 diabetes, which means she has had even more challenges than most to overcome on her way to the lighthouse.
In the men’s field, Danny Smith has proven his strength and resilience. On Day 1, he wasn’t even in the top three, but he has made his way up the field in impressive form.
He said, ““I feel pretty high to be honest. We were chatting on the final kilometres about highs and lows. There were a few lows – yesterday traipsing through the final bog was pretty low, but the highs have outweighed it for sure.”
He wasn’t expecting to find himself in first place. “We came to try it out, but it’s been amazing and I’ve been so fortunate to run with amazing people. I’ve been sadly fortunate that the guys way out in front have been ill or injured, and I hope they make good recoveries.”
He had one final message. “I want to say thanks to all the team, and volunteers and fellow competitors. I’m very, very grateful to have shared it with everyone.”
Danny Smith (centre) runs into the finish with Adam Watkins and Henry Gurney ©No Limits Photography
Second in the men’s field was Norfolk-based farmer, Henry Gurney, who has always had a smile on his face throughout, while Adam Watkin was third fastest overall on the race.
It has been an amazing journey for these athletes, who have pushed hard day in and day out to make it to that lighthouse, and what an achievement it has been.
Runners make their way across the beach ©No Limits Photography
Runners were delighted to reach Sandwood Bay
Protected by kilometres of barren moorland, the golden sands of Sandwood Bay are like an oasis in the desert. The sea stack of Am Buchaille stands sentinel at the head of the beach and adds to the drama of the landscape, as turquoise waves come crashing down on the sand. There really is a wild beauty to this awesome landscape, and the moment where runners turn the corner and the beach comes into view is always an unforgettable one. Today the weather was really on our side, as the bay was glistening in all its glory.
We spoke to some of the participants as they crossed this beautiful stretch of the route. Many were struggling with running on the sand, though all were in awe of the stunning scenery.
Sandwood Bay was particularly stunning today ©No Limits Photography
Aaron Pyke has travelled a long way to participate. We asked him how it felt to reach day 8. He said, “I feel really good actually. It feels awesome. You start not knowing if you’re going to make it that far.”
We asked what his highlights were: “The scenery for me, coming from Australia where we don’t have anything like that, is amazing. Meeting everyone that’s come together to do this is cool.”
Naturally any challenge of this colossal size will come with its low moments, but Aaron had a few tricks up his sleeve. “I usually have one or two go-to snacks that I’ll only dip into if I’m feeling bad, or usually music is also my go-to”. This certainly seemed the case as he tackled the fun descent down a sand dune to Muse’s Starlight.
Daniel King, who is based in Cumbria, has had a strong race. He said, “I have mixed emotions. I’m very tired, I want soap, a shower and a proper bed. But I’m going to miss the community, the group, the evening chats, the scenery. It’s been an amazing experience. The Support Crew have been absolutely incredible. It makes the whole experience not only bearable but enjoyable!”
Gabriella Russell was also looking strong as she strode across the sand. “I’m excited to get to the end. It’s glorious! I just really wanted to finish it. I think yesterday was probably my most emotional day.”
We asked if she had any low moments. She said, “Probably day 4, because it was short so I thought it would be easy, then it was so hard on the pathless stuff! Then yesterday was emotional but in a nice way.”
Taz De Page from Belgium was feeling emotional as he reached the beach. “I think the right way to describe it is you have the warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I’m beating through the pain. I injured myself yesterday but whatever happens I will make it. I have had an amazing time for the second time. I got married since last time. Just 6 weeks ago. So I’ve been thinking a lot about my girlfriend who's now my wife. She got me through this. So I’ve been very happy and feeling emotional about that.”
Father-son duo Tim and Will Robinson have been enjoying every step of the journey together. They were in excellent spirits as they turned the corner at the final sand dune before the views opened out onto the beach.
Will said, “I’m pumped to be on this beach. It’s been absolutely epic. “It’s special to spend it with the old boy. He’s definitely young at heart!”
At 65, Tim has had an amazing journey. He said, “What an event! Soul searching, landscape, wonderful organization. Really wonderful, you’ve thought of everything! And great people!”
The Robinsons celebrate a wonderful adventure ©No Limits Photography
Alan Shand has been doing the Explorer course. We saw him as he made his way over the moorland.
He said, “It’s been super. I had 2 goals – to get home uninjured. I have no niggles, not even a bit of tape or blisters. The second one – to get to the lighthouse! I’ve just done the Explorer right from the start, because I hadn’t really done a multi day and I’m really pleased that things have worked out and my body’s been able to adapt.”
“It’s a privilege to be part of this and I feel that I never expected this to be part of my life’s journey! What started me off on this was being a 2022 camp team volunteer. That’s what sold it to me – the emotion! When you cheer people off and cheer people in in the various states they’re in, it’s so good for the heart!”
The Camp in Keoldale was joyful
There were many tears, smiles and hugs at the lighthouse as finishers finally made it to their goal. This famous lighthouse is so remote, that to make it back to the camp, finishers had to take a bus and a boat!
At Keoldale, runners enjoyed refuelling on chips and beer, and many were met by friends and family members. Later this evening, finishers of both the Cape Wrath Ultra® and Cape Wrath Explorer will collect their very well-deserved medals in a prize ceremony.
It has been an incredible week. There have been ups and downs, but it will certainly be one our participants will remember for the rest of their lives.
It’s been an incredible journey ©No Limits Photography
Results
Overall
Men
Danny Smith (50:28:18)
Henry Gurney (51:55:25))
Adam Watkins (54:24:28)
Women
Bridget Glaister (59:49:41)
Elsa Morgan (60:36:48)
Charlotte Hurst (63:23:10)
Left to right: Adam Watkin (3rd), Danny Smith (1st), Henry Gurney (2nd) ©No Limits Photography
On Day 8
Men
Giles Palmer (03:27:46)
Jon Hanks (03:28:07)
Jonas Holmberg (03:28:58)
Women
Bridget Glaister (03:34:57)
Elsa Morgan (03:41:20)
Gabriella Russell (03:46:15)
Left to right: Elsa Morgan (2nd), Bridget Glaister (1st), Charlotte Hurst (3rd) ©No Limits Photography
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What an adventure it has been! ©No Limits Photography
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