Day 3: Running friends – and chasing the leader
Day three of Cape Wrath Ultra 2021 saw the same top three finishers as day two with Ian Stewart in first place followed by Sally Fawcett and Lisa Watson in joint second place. The ladies were only nine minutes behind Ian, who finished the 42-mile route, with 2400m of ascent, in 9 hrs 41 mins.
While Ian, of Trail Running Scotland, still has a growing lead over Sally and Lisa, who are members of Dark Peak Fell Runners, he confessed he could feel them closing in on his heels. Ian sits at the top of the leader board with a total time of 20:12, with Sally in second place on 21.08 and Lisa on 21:13.
First placed Ian Stewart makes running on the rugged paths look easy. © No Limits Photography
Ian finished the day in fort place again. ©No Limits Photography
Ian said: “It was another awesome day and the weather was a bit kinder for us Highland folk. There was some rain at the start of the day.
“I liked the rocky and off-path terrain with plenty of proper hill running, as well as lots of ups and downs.”
For much of the day, the trio ran close to each other. Ian then broke away in the later stage.
Ian said: “The girls are strong on the flatter sections on the tracks and I was having to hang on. I prefer the hills and rugged terrain and I tended to be ahead on the ascents and then they would come back on the flatter sections. Overall, it was another enjoyable day.”
Lisa and Sally cross the river before running to the finish line. ©No Limits Photography
Sally and Lisa have run together on day two and three. Sally said: “I really enjoyed today with lots of great fell running style terrain. I like the tussocks and bogs and the off-path running.”
Lisa added: “The first ascent was horrible with the midges but then the descent from the high point was amazing.”
“Yes it was good coming downhill there,” said Sally.
Explaining their decision to run together, Lisa said: “We enjoy chatting all the way.”
Sally added: “We are the same pace so there is no point trying to break each other and push it too hard. We are pacing it well together and within each of our comfort zones, so it’s working well.”
Lisa added: “As soon as it stops working, we will try something else. We are enjoying it so far.”
Sabrina Verjee runs the rocky path on the high pass in Kintail. © No Limits Photography
The day started with cooler weather and drizzle in the mountains. © No Limits Photography
Crux Third day of Cape Wrath Ultra
Sunshine gave way to cloud and drizzle in the morning and then a brighter afternoon as 78 competitors left Kinloch Hourn for day three of the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021. Today is usually referred to as the crux of the race. Participants aim to make it through a long and rugged route to the cut-off of 11pm to stay in the race.
It is one of the longest outings of the eight-day ultra running stage race and requires tenacity, determination and navigation over many tough miles.
The route begins with a rude awakening as competitors are required to climb to a high pass in the Kintail area between two impressive Munros, The Saddle and Sgùrr na Sgìne, and to the highest point of the entire Cape Wrath Trail at 720m.
Focus is also required, especially on tired legs, as the route alternates between paths of rocks and boulders, trails and a little tarmac. There were swarms of midges to contend with earlier today, too.
After a rocky descent and a run along a road, the participants head into wide glens between big mountains. The test for many are the miles of pathless terrain with grass tussocks and bogs.
A final climb offers rewarding and expansive views before the final descent on weary legs and a crossing of the River Carron. The finish line is at Achnashellach, which is Gaelic for “field of the willows”, located at the eastern end of Loch Dùghaill.
Highlights during day three include the Falls of Glomach, one of the tallest (113m) and most voluminous falls in the UK; the remote bothy of Maol Bhuidhe; wildlife rich upland habitats – and making it home in time to race on day four.
The rugged route of day 3 in the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021. © No Limits Photography
Day 3: Top finishers and leaderboard
Day 3: Top 3 males
Ian Stewart 9:41
Ritchie Williamson 10:40
Chris Todd 10:41
Overall male rankings
Ian Stewart 20:12
Ritchie Williamson 22:11
Chris Todd 22:12
Day 3: Top 3 females
Sally Fawcett 9.50
Lisa Watson 9.50
Sabrina Verjee 10:43
Overall Female rankings
Sally Fawcett 21.08
Lisa Watson 21:13
Sabrina Verjee 22:39.
Day 4: Achnashellach to Kinlochewe
A much shorter day with 22 miles (35km) and 1400m of ascent takes the runners away from the coast and into the heart of some magnificent mountains.