Cape Wrath Ultra volunteers: Why we do it

The Cape Wrath Ultra 2021 could not go ahead without a large team of energetic, enthusiastic and skilled volunteers. People from all walks of life and across the UK take on a range of roles, including being part of the main camp team, catering, waymarking, checkpoint, support point, start-finish, vehicle driving, race control and electrics.

There are a number of benefits for volunteers. These include meeting like-minded people, giving something back to the running community and earning event “credit” equal to the full value of the event for a future entry into any event organised by Ourea Events. Volunteers also receive all their main meals while on the race, travel expenses and event team uniform.

The event volunteers roles are very varied. ©No Limits Photography

‘Why we volunteer’

We asked some of the volunteers what the work involves and why they want to be at the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021.

Ben is part of the start-finish team. He said: “I have volunteered at various events before but never a multi day. I am thinking about doing the Montane Dragon’s Back Race at some point and so it’s good to find out more from behind the scenes at multi-day events.”

Susan is part of the hill team and helps with tent building. She said: “I volunteer because I have done a couple of single day events before and really enjoyed them so I decided to volunteer for a longer event.

“You also get a lot of responsibility, for example, I have been part of the hill team and I really love being sent out there it get on with it, but equally I know there is back up at the base and so I feel confident being sent out into the hills and I like being part of this and learning about the response work.

“I am also doing tent building. I am helping out because I feel for the participants going into their little tents each day.

“And while I live in Scotland, this race allows you to see bits of the country I wouldn't usually go to. I get a lot out of doing the volunteering.”

Sarah is part of the camp team: “The work is full-on and we are taking the tents down then putting them up. There are a lot of them because each runner has one. The work can be lovely when it is warm and sunny, but awful when there are midges about.

“I am a runner and do races so it’s good to see the other side of things. My husband is also a volunteer and we might do the Cape Wrath Ultra sometime so it’s good to see how it all fits together. We might use the credit to do the race.”

Matt is race control. He has done 140 days of volunteer marshalling with this race and others since 2016. It is his third time as race control for the Cape Wrath Ultra and later this year he will do his third volunteer role at Montane Dragon’s Back Race.

He said: “I sit behind the screen and look at all the runners on the map and try to work out what is going on. All runners and event crew have trackers and if there is anything that gives me concern, I will investigate it and, if needs be, I action resources to look into the problem. I enjoy the volunteering. It is rewarding and fun.”

Andy is part of the check point team. He said: “I go out on to the check points and see them through and also pick up any competitors who have pulled out or not made the cut-off. I also do quite bit of driving for the event.

“I volunteer to give a bit back. I volunteered in 2016 to get an insight into the Cape Wrath Ultra event and then did it in 2018 and now I have volunteered for quite a few events by Ourea Events. I enjoy the buzz and being with like-minded people.”

Cath is part of the catering team. She said: “I’ve run the Dragon’s Back Race and done lots of ultras and I like being involved with the whole event. I like the vibe of the event. I have done catering for the Dragon’s Back as well. I might do the Cape Wrath Ultra at some point.”

Dougie is a checkpoint volunteer. He has volunteered at Salomon Glen Coe Skyline previously and taken part in the Skyline race before. He said: “I like to give back and to support those that do trail running. I like to meet people and I love being outdoors. Plus it gets me away from my work.

“I love the volunteering. I am absolutely buzzing to see people getting through the race.’

Karen is part of the camp team. “This is my first volunteer role for an event. My husband, who is also a volunteer, wants to do this race but he is injured and hopes to do it next year so he wanted to get a feel for the race. It’s also just something different. It has been hard work and there are long days but I am enjoying it.”

Tammy is a chef. This is her second time as a volunteer on the Cape Wrath Ultra. She said: “It is amazing and inspiring to be part of the event and to see all the runners. I am a runner myself but it’s great to be able to help them and you can appreciate how they are feeling.

“I like to give back. I will use the event credit for the next Cape Wrath Ultra in May.”

Carol is volunteering for the first time at Cape Wrath Ultra. She is on start-finish duties. She said: “My role involves putting and taking down the start-finish gantry each day as well as manning the start-finish each day for the runners.

“I am quite interested in taking part in one of these events in the future and you get race credits for giving up your time. For me, it is six days of annual leave so it’s big commitment.

“I have enjoyed meeting new people and being in places that I have not seen before, even though I live in Scotland.”

Pete is part of the camp team. He said: “I put up tents, take down tents, take competitor bags to their tents and generally look after the runners. This is my fifth time volunteering with Ourea Events but the first time on the Cape Wrath Ultra.

“I volunteer because I might have a go at the race sometime but also it’s a very good atmosphere and a really great bunch of people. It’s also a good way to explore new parts of the country.”

Susan is a camp volunteer and it is her first time on the Cape Wrath Ultra, although she has volunteered many times for Salomon Skyline Scotland®. She said: “I like meeting like-minded outdoor people. I am a runner, too, but I also get inspired watching the participants. I have used the credits for races, such as the Silva Great lakeland 3Day™.”

Tim who works in the catering team said: “I volunteer because it is fun. You get to help all these runners and that is a rewarding”