Day 5: Top three runners: ‘We are just running our own race’

The three fastest runners so far in the the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021 are continuing to play their cards close to their chest.

Ian Stewart has led from the start in Fort William and has edged slightly further in front of Sally Fawcett and Lisa Watson, who have run together since day two.

None of the trio would be drawn on their game plan for the eight-day race as they crossed the finish line in Inverbroom on day five.

Ian, who ran today’s 44km (27 miles) route with an ascent of 1400m in 5 hours 19 minutes, 10 minutes quicker than Sally and Lisa, said: “So far, the race is going well and I ran today an hour faster than in the 2018 race.

”I set off slightly behind the girls today and I have finished first. I can only go as fast as I can go but it is nice to see them in the distance and to know things are going okay because I can still see them. I am just waiting for them to overtake me but I am going as fast as I can so there is nothing else I can do.”

The ladies, who ran a time of 5:29 today, also said they had no race aim other than to enjoy themselves. Lisa said: “We are doing our own thing and it’s nice to think, ‘Oh, we haven’t seen Ian yet’ but really we are just doing our own thing and not thinking about the race much.”

Sally confessed it was a hard start today. She added: “I was tired after a night of little sleep due to midges in my tent. The first hour on the run felt a bit miserable but then came the nice middle section.”

Lisa continued: “We didn’t have a great time for the first bit but then it got better. It was so gorgeous going through the Fisherfields area. I have taken so many photographs.”

Lisa, who has suffered with an injured foot over the past 18 months, said: “My injured foot was feeling it on the last descent today. It was really painful. My foot is okay most of the time, which is good. I wasn’t really running six months ago so I am happy it is going okay in the race. The range of angles that are now acceptable for my foot is fairly minimal though.”

When Ian last ran the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2018, he started to flag on day four. He said: “The race is going much better for me this time.”

Sally and Lisa enjoyed the more runnable terrain today. © No Limits Photography — *Sally and Lisa enjoyed the more runnable terrain today.* *© No Limits Photography*

More than halfway through Cape Wrath Ultra

The runners passed the half-way mark today as they ran from Kinlochewe to Inverbroom. The course took them through the Fisherfield Forest and a landscape shaped by Moine Thrust Fault, a linear tectonic feature in the Scottish Highlands.

A complex landscape of glaciated glens, peaks and lochans provided fabulous views for the runners, while they also enjoyed some very runnable tracks and paths. A final steep hill descent to the overnight camp was not enjoyed by many people on tired legs.

Race director Shane Ohly is delighted by how well the race is going. He said: “It is the morning of day five and we are now half way through the event with four days completed. The last 48 hours have been pretty tough with really bad midges. Even hardened Scottish locals have been saying it is the worst they have ever seen.

“I am pleased that we normally have this race in May when the midges are never so bad. They make life miserable for everyone, participants and crew, however, today the wind is up and the midges are gone.

“It is great to be back operating as an events business after a long break and it is so satisfying seeing the crew, volunteers and professionals all bedding in and working efficiently and well and most people are really happy and enjoying themselves.”

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