Day five on the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra® – A switch up in the field as the weather turns

There was some good old Scottish drizzle to see our participants out of camp this morning. Today was another shorter day of 44km, but as many runners will have learnt yesterday – shorter doesn’t necessarily mean easier. There were still some climbs to contend with, plus a wonderful albeit tricky descent into camp just to finish off already-tired quads.

Today the participants journeyed through the Fisherfield area – an area known as ‘the Great Wilderness’ due to its complete lack of any permanent settlements. However, the usual views of the sharp and rugged Fisherfield Munros (such as the famous ridge of An Teallach) were somewhat dampened today by the thick cloud which cloaked much of the landscape.

There were some weary runners at the start today

The route commenced today with a rare section of road, taking runners away from camp and into the little village of Kinloch Ewe before heading into the wilderness. However, just because it’s flat certainly didn’t mean it was easy – on tired legs and battered feet, the small stretch of tarmac can actually be more painful than the steep climbs and softer bogs.  

We caught up with some of the runners this morning as they made it out of camp. They are now halfway through their journey, and to have made it this far is an achievement in itself.

Andy Perry was one of the participants we spoke to as he came through. He said, “It was nice to get a bit of a rest yesterday so hopefully I have enough to get me through today. I feel okay about today, but I’m a bit worried about Day 7 which is about 1100m, but I’m just taking every day as it comes.”

Wiebke Lammers is running the Cape Wrath Ultra® having  volunteered last year. She was running well when we saw her coming out of camp. She said, “I took yesterday as a recovery day after Day 3. Day 3 really knocked me, and then yesterday my quads went into strike, but they’re actually a lot better this morning. I’m trying to take this maybe one notch back – that’s the plan!”

Jay Grady hosts the popular Trail and Error podcast and is now running the Cape Wrath Ultra® having completed the Hatchling course on the Dragon’s Back Race® last year. He said, “I’m starting to feel the aches and pains now. I’m looking forward to getting today out the way in a restrained way so I can take on Day 6 – just don’t blow it today. It’s all cumulative now. Every day is relative on what’s gone into the legs before. I’m just keeping it all under control, not getting nervous and running nice and loose.”

“The scenery’s all just amazing. The climb yesterday was lovely. I sat down and had a moment just to take it all in!”

It was a beautiful final descent into camp

The final descent into camp was one to enjoy. While there were some slippy sections and a few rocks to negotiate, the lovely view of Loch Broom and the welcoming sight of camp in the distance encouraged runners onwards. They could almost smell the chips that awaited them.

We spoke to some of the runners as they tackled this final descent.

Stuart Webster was particularly cheerful. He said, “I’m feeling positive, awesome and feeling strong. It was a good run with lovely trails, although the last bit I think is a waterfall someone confused for a trail, but all in all – it’s absolutely fantastic!”

Charlotte Hurst was doing well when she came running down the final descent with her partner. She said, “We’ve had a good day. We’ve kept each other going. It’s not too bad weather. Quite windy and cool on the first hill, but then it got a bit milder and it’s been quite pleasant. I needed the extra layer.”

Bridget Glaister, who is currently second woman, also seemed in high spirits. She said, “Today I’ve gone my own pace and I feel so much happier for it. I’ve had a smile all day, the weather’s been better than forecast and I do like moorland, and I’m happy I can see camp now!”

Cape Wrath Explorers are enjoying continuing their journey

While the full course participants have been battling hard against the elements and their own weary bodies, there is now a growing number of participants on the Explorer option. Free from the pressure of the full course, they are now able to enjoy the stunning Cape Wrath scenery at their own pace. Described by many as an all-inclusive walking holiday through Scotland, this is an excellent option.

While naturally many are a little disappointed about having switched to the Explorer from the full course, the overwhelming atmosphere amongst the Explorers is one of optimism and joy. Many are grateful they can still continue with the journey and achieve their dream of reaching the lighthouse.

Today, many runners opted to complete the second half of the day, so were treated to a café stop at the Midge Bite café before setting off over the hills.

We spoke to a few of them while they made their way back into camp.

Steven Rooke is one of the Explorer participants. He seemed in high spirits. He said, “It’s been perfect. I’m doing the Explorer. It’s just been really pleasant actually. I’m taking it nice and steady and will get to the end.”

He’d enjoyed his café stop that morning. “That was absolutely delightful. The best latte I’ve ever had! It’s been a really good experience. I wanted to do the full but I knew in myself that wasn’t going to happen so this was definitely the best option!” 

He has still managed to achieve some personal goals and take on a challenge on the Explorer course. “I was a little bit dubious about the hills and the heights but I conquered my fear! I’m enjoying it!”

Scott Crighton was another one of the Explorer participants. He said, “I’m meeting loads of lovely people. It’s amazing what you find up on these hills in Scotland I tell you!”

We asked him what the best bit was: “It’s got to be the scenery! And you’ve got to take your hats off to the organisation. We’ve just come now and they’re already set up ready to go! It’s mad – I’ve been to loads of events but I’ve never known anything where if you ever need anything it’s there. It’s quick and everyone’s nice. It takes a lot that – to get the right people doing the right jobs and everyone’s friendly!”

Matt Pullan was also his enjoying his day. “I’ve only done the shorter distance so it’s been nice and chill. A jog on over the top then down into camp and look forward to chips. I don’t know which I’d value more right now – a proper coffee or a hot shower! We did say that river looks cold!”

It’s brilliant that these participants are still able to enjoy their journey, and an increasing number of runners and hikers are opting for the Explorer course right from the start.

Ludwig Antilli has stepped up into first place, while Elsa Morgan extended her lead 

After dominating the race over the first 4 days, Lewis Taylor has now sadly dropped from the race due to illness. It has been a stunning performance, and we hope to see him back in future.

This means that Swiss runner Ludwig Antilli has moved up into first place. He is still looking strong, and has been going at quite a pace whenever he has passed us out on course.

He said, “It’s been really good. It’s a lovely day – the weather was nice!” 

Danny Smith is now in second place. However, Henry Gurney is hot on his heels, only 8 minutes behind him. It could certainly be a close race between these two runners.

Meanwhile, Elsa has had an absolutely storming run. Throughout the week there has been a battle between her and Bridget Glaister in second place, but today has been a turning point for Elsa, as she has now extended her lead to nearly 45 minutes. She is moving incredibly well and appears to be going from strength to strength. However, there are still three difficult days ahead, so she will still have to continue pushing hard to stay ahead.

We caught up with Elsa as she made her way down into camp. She said, “It was a lovely day. I know my least favourite part, when the cloud came down, but then running round the back was beautiful, very runnable track. It’s been a bit boggy, but it’s been a lot cooler which is nice as well!”

There has also been another switch up in the field in third place, with Charlotte Hurst now moving up into third place, and is now twenty minutes ahead of Erin Smith.

Tomorrow is the longest day of the whole race

Runners have now enjoyed two relatively short days, but tomorrow they have another huge challenge – Day 6. 72km of runnable track interspersed with challenging river crossings and pathless terrain awaits our intrepid runners tomorrow.

Results

Overall

Men

1. Ludwig Anthill (30:57:10)

2. Danny Smith (31:55:03)

3. Henry Gurney (32:03:02)

Women

1. Elsa Morgan (35:45:17)

2. Bridget Glaister (36:27:48)

3. Charlotte Hurst (38:43:46)

On Day 5

Men

1. Ludwig Anthill (04:48:57)

2. Danny Smith (04:55:44)

3. Henry Gurney (04:59:37)

Women

1. Elsa Morgan (05:53:01)

2. Bridget Glaister (06:22:19)

3. Charlotte Hurst (06:33:27)

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