Day 4: Tears, blisters, nausea – and a man running in his pants

Day four is always going to be full of emotions on the Cape Wrath Ultra – and 2021 proved to be so. As the runners headed off on a 22-mile (35km) route from Achnashellach to Kinlochewe, there were those that were high because they had “got through” day three.

Some even said they felt great and were running well with more energy than they could have hoped for. 

George Winkley (64) said: “It is a more runnable day and my legs are ok. Added to that, the scenery is absolutely stunning.”

Glenn Christie (71) said: “My legs are fine. I couldn’t really move so well this morning and after breakfast and slouching about a bit, a couple of hours later, I was raring to go. I am feeling good so far in the race and the scenery is incredible.”

Robert Spavin (77) said: “I am having a really good day today. Yesterday was hard but I got it done and the weather and scenery were great. I am enjoying it. It is just awesome here.”

Pain and injuries

Meanwhile, other participants were suffering with fatigue and injuries.

Andrew Richardson (43) twisted his ankle in the later stages of yesterday’s run. He said: “I am okay going uphill but not so good going down. It was a tough day yesterday but the scenery is beautiful so I am still enjoying it.”

Selina McCole (51) is suffering with shin splints. She said: “The shin splints are giving me grief after yesterday. It was a long day. However, it is okay today and the views today are spectacular and well worth the climb.”

Ernest Marais (16) said: “Today is brutal. It is very slow and time-consuming but knowing there are great views at the end makes it worth it. My legs are brilliant but my feet are shot. I have about 10 blisters.”

Cath Bunn (50) is running with taped quads. She said: “My knees are sore and the tape is for them. I had a sense of humour failure on the last bit yesterday and I got very annoyed because it went on forever and my knees were hurting. But I got it done and it’s done. I am focusing on the next day and the next things. I am staying positive.” 

Terry Addison (46) said: “I feel okay but a bit nauseous today. It was too hot on day two and yesterday was long but I am okay. The views are great.”

Geoff Osdbaldstin (26) said: “I am knackered. It is absolutely stunning but I am tired and trying to keep it steady."

Chris Todd (91) ended up with very sore knees on the final descent of yesterday. He said: “I have a different ethos today. I am trying to enjoy it today and take in the views while taking my time so I can recover a bit.”

Tears and laughter

Ritchie Williamson (72) said he was very much enjoying the day but he felt emotional. With tears welling, he said: “These are the best views of the four days here in Torridon, I feel emotional being here. I am originally from Scotland  and this reminds me of my childhood.”

Ritchie also wanted to give a shout out to his friends back home who helped with his training. 

Kevin Bisset (87) was laughing when he said: “I keep hearing the planes above me and then I think of all the passengers who will be having a nice gin and tonic. It’s not fair!”

The joy of the scenery

As usual there was high praise for the route and the views.

Jacqueline Toal (7) said: “The scenery is beautiful. It’s fantastic. Each day, it gets nicer.”

Richard Hoyland (18) said: “Wow. The climb up to the loch was worth it. It is amazing. I have never seen anything like it in my life. It is stunning and takes your breath away. It is really worth it doing all the miles to get here.”

So happy to still be in the race

For Bee Leask (2) running at the back of the pack today, there have been plenty of ups and downs. She said: “I am sore today but I knew I would be. It was a long way yesterday but all the elevation made it harder. And that last hill! All the midges meant you couldn’t stop and then my leg started to hurt. 

“I ended up having a bit of a meltdown but I felt better after that. I needed a bit of a release. I am so happy to have made it through to day four. 

“Someone gave me the advice to start each day and see how you feel and I wasn’t sure I would start today because I have sore legs – it could be shin splints or even a stress fracture –  but I just got up and decided to go for it. 

“I have so many blisters too and the medics are real saints because they have sorted them and taped them for me. I wouldn’t be walking today without their help.

“For me to get through day two and then day three was amazing and to make it to day four today feels unbelievable. If I get to day five I will be very pleased with myself.” 

… And the runner in his pants

And then, today,  there was the strange sight of Alasdair Meldrum (37) who was running in his pants. He revealed: “I have bad chafing on my legs and it hurts to wear my shorts. I am alright without my shorts on and so today I am in my pants only.”