My Cape Wrath Ultra story started a year before the start of the 2018 event. I had heard about this race on a podcast after the 2016 edition and for some reason this race called to me and I knew I had to do it! After finally getting through the registration process it was time to make plans for Scotland!

However, I was about to make very different plans. In a trail race 5 days after CWU signup (13 May 2017) I had a nasty fall and broke my femur! I had a rod and pins and a load of pain and devastation! As I lay there on the ground, among the many things going through my head were all the races that I had to give up that year (including Tour de Geants). I was not yet going to give up on the Cape Wrath Ultra! Why not have an audacious comeback goal?!

Physiotherapy started as soon as possible. On the floor, in the pool, three times daily! I was off crutches and cane after 3 months, but I couldn’t start running until November, after the pin in the knee was removed. Six months to go from 0km to 400km! There was still no reason for me to think that I couldn’t make it! Naturally, there were times when I thought that I wouldn’t make it. Other times I felt as if nothing could stop me. After winning a tough trial 50km in March, I knew that I had it in me.

Finally, in Fort William – I am ready! With all the confidence and determination that I normally have, plus the knowledge of how far I had come in a year, there were no doubts on the start line. I had no illusions about going fast and I had no idea how my endurance would hold, but the finish was certain.

Katherine leaping for joy at the finish line of the Cape Wrath Ultra ©Jimmy Hyland

The whole of the race week was amazing! I felt like I was going from strength to strength. The raw stark beauty of the moorland terrain inspired and energized me! During the dark and grumbly times, I could recall recent memories of a greater darkness and pull myself out of the funk. I only had to look up and around at the land that was calling me! As long as I kept smiling, I knew I’d be OK. It hurts less when you smile.

My worst day was probably day 2. I HATE being cold and wet, so I really don’t know why I wanted to race in Scotland?! Day 2 did not disappoint in that regard. Day 3, however, was awesome (Waterfall!) and all the days after that I found myself in the flow. Day 7 was LONG, and my body was starting to grow weary and break down. That evening I ended up puking in the tent – my poor tentmates! They were all so helpful and kind - we had had a bonding week together and they really came together for me.

By the morning of the final day I was feeling better and I could run on the energy of the sky and the land! Coming down the last stretch toward the finish I started leaping for joy! There are no words to express the feelings that erupt after a year and a week of so much hard work, crazy dreaming, and deepening inspiration. I hope that I get to do this race again!

Enjoy this short film about Katherine’s journey to Cape Wrath:

Katherine Welch