Day seven on the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra® – The Lighthouse is Nearly Within Reach

The lighthouse is now almost within touching distance for our runners who have now been running for an entire week.

The warm and sunny weather made its return today, which was much appreciated by our runners, especially those towards the back of the pack who came into camp rather damp and cold last night. At 61km, Day 7 is another tough one, with an elevation gain of 1,600m.

The main route highlight was the run alongside some extremely remote and inaccessible sea lochs. Runners also passed under the shadow of the UK’s tallest waterfall, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn and summited Ben Dreavie on today’s route, which would be an epic ultra in its own right. The final part of the route joined a rare section of road, which may have come as a surprise to the runners who by now have adjusted to running in the complete wilderness.

There was a real buzz on the start line this morning 

Today there was a real nervous excitement on the start line. Runners were keen to put this final long day behind them, knowing that the final day is only a ‘short’ run to the iconic lighthouse they have been dreaming about all this time.

Stuart Webster was in excellent spirits when we spoke to him on his way out of camp.

He said, “I feel like I’m going to get this done. I’m going to get out there and get it finished.”

He reflected on his jurney so far. “It’s been fantastic. Challenging, but totally worthwhile. It’s my first multi-day so I had no idea what to expect or how to benchmark it. You worry about whether you’re training right or whether you’ve done enough but it’s looking good.”

We asked if it was what he had expected. “It’s been a million times better. There’s always that fear factor but you have no idea what you’re capable of. It’s been great. There’ve been lows but largely very high.”

Felicity Caddick was also looking forward to her day out. She said, “I reckon it’s going to be a lovely day. It’s been good. My achilles is a bit sore so it’s taking a bit to get used to each day, but it’s nice to have the Explorer.”

We asked what she’s most looking forward to at the end. “A really good wash and to wash my hair! My first criteria was sorted yesterday when we stopped at the pub – I got to have a pint!”

We asked her what kept her going. She said, “I think everybody’s looking forward to the last day! Nobody’s thinking about the fact we do actually have to go 26km on the last day. Just getting to the last day seems to be like you’re instantly there. I spent most of yesterday saying to my achilles – I don’t care how much you hurt, we’re getting there, even if we have to hobble the entire last day.”

The race is however about so much more than just the running. The experience at the overnight camps is all part of the journey.

Felicity said, “The camp life has been really good. The tent’s really nice as you can chat to anybody. You can have your chips. You get a bit obsessive about the chips as you’re walking along a cold, wet path!”

The run into Checkpoint 1 was breath-taking

Rarely visited by the crowds who flock to the more famous parts of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Glendhu is an unspoilt gem. Steep walls of rock rise sharply out of the loch, dwarfing the runners as they continued on their journey today. However, in today’s sunlight, the loch was an inviting turquoise blue colour. There was certainly an otherworldly feel to this stunning location today.  

We caught up with a few of the runners as crossed through this magnificent landscape. 

Daniel King has been slowly making his way up the field after struggling in the heat on Day 3. He said, “A bit of rain would be nice.”

We asked what is keeping him going. He said, “Shade and the shower! And the two guys thirty seconds behind us. That’s keep us motivated.” 

“The community’s been fantastic. The support’s been amazing. Ourea – it’s a family event!”

Charlotte Hurst is running with her partner Giles Palmer. She said, “It’s been technical, but it’s been okay – just going slowly.”

She has a lot driving her to keep going: “All the support at home. It’s like an invisible peloton that keeps you going. I’m just hoping that I don’t get injured or something happens to stop me getting to the finish line, because it’s getting closer.”

It was originally Giles Palmer’s idea to sign up. He said, “Charlotte’s been dragging me along. I did the Dragon’s Back Race in 2022, and I have a very short memory, so it made me sign up for this. Dragon’s Back must have been more difficult, but this is tough – really tough! Only a half notch down!”

Charlotte has been appreciating the good weather. “We’ve had amazing conditions. In a normal year when you get worse conditions it would be even more challenging.”

Charlotte has been running incredibly well, and is not only third female, but was actually the fastest woman on the day. Her achievement is made all the more impressive given the fact she has Type 1 diabetes. It’s a challenging race anyway, but this is made all the more challenging when she has to keep a constant watch on blood sugar levels.

Susha Fisher has come a long way to participate. She said, “I really enjoyed yesterday morning – going up through the bog and all the clouds were down – that was really neat. I’m finally getting a hang of the bog! I’m from New Zealand, but I live in Australia so the hot days don’t bother me.”

We asked her how she felt about making it to Day Seven. She said “It’s quite overwhelming the whole thing! Really huge! It’s exciting but I also want to get home safely.”

David Fergusson, a Scottish deerstalker and gamekeeper who actually lives along the route, has surprised himself with how well he’s been doing. He said, “It’s a hell of an achievement. I didn’t really think I was going to make it this far. It’s amazing to be here, and the scenery out here is just – wow – absolutely stunning!”

Adam Watkin is another runner who is doing incredibly well. He was moving at a blistering pace when we caught him. He said, “I’m third at the moment. I just wanted to come and run and enjoy the landscape really, but the racing has been fun.”

The overnight camp was emotional

The evening in camp at Kinlochbervie was one to treasure. It was a stunning evening, and the freshwater loch of Loch Innis na Ba Buidhe looked extremely inviting. However, tonight, they did not need to bathe in the loch, as runners had a special treat awaiting them this evening – warm showers!

There was certainly a jubilant atmosphere in camp. Participants now know that no matter what happens, they can do this. The start line in Treslaig now feels like a lifetime ago for these runners, who have fought hard to get where they are today.

There were many emotions at the finish line, and friendships formed. Stuart Webster and Rafal Dziurka came into the finish arm in arm and clinked together some bottles of coke they’d bought from a shop on the run in. There were many hugs and tears. It was hard for many to believe that they have nearly completed this wonderful journey!

Wiebke Lammers seemed overjoyed as she came into the finish. She said, “I seem to be coming back to life! That was something else!” She had a strong finish today, and now her journey is almost done.

Bridget Glaister is back in the lead in the women’s race, while Danny Smith looks set to win the men’s field 

It has been a tight race this year, with more switches up in the field than usual. Bridget Glaister is now back in the lead after another incredibly strong day.

She fought hard today. She said, “It was a lot of pain, but it was worth it!”

Elsa Morgan is now in second place, while Charlotte Hurst remains in third position in the women’s field.

Meanwhile in the men’s field, Danny Smith had another epic day and is an hour and a half ahead of Henry Gurney in second place.

When we saw Danny, he was moving incredibly well. He said, “I knew a little bit about the scenery and the area, but the race, the camaraderie, the organization has been a big surprise. This has been my first race like this and it’s been fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Adam Watkin is still in third place and continues to go from strength to strength.

While all these athletes have been running incredibly well, a special mention must go to those runners who have been keeping going day after day, getting into camp late, getting out on course early and chasing the cut offs. For them, this has been the challenge of a lifetime, and their achievement is incredible.

Competitors now have just one more day and 26km to tackle on their journey to the lighthouse. It is going to be an emotional day for many, as they finally achieve that dream!

Results

Overall

Men

1. Danny Smith (46:52:51)

2. Henry Gurney (48:23:20)

3. Adam Watkins (50:52:22)

Women

1. Bridget Glaister (56:14:44)

2. Elsa Morgan (56:55:28)

3. Charlotte Hurst (59:28:08)

On Day 7

Men

1. Danny Smithl (07:34:00)

2. Henry Gurney (08:25:17)

3. Adam Watkin (08:45:31)

Women

1. Charlotte Hurst (10:17:08)

2. Bridget Glaister (10:18:04)

3. Gabriella Russell (10:23:31)

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