Day one: the adventure begins!

Today 270 intrepid runners set out on the adventure of lifetime, as they began their awesome 8-day journey to the Cape Wrath lighthouse.

Today the runners will have enjoyed a shorter day, with just under 23 miles of running and 500m of elevation, as they made their way from Trislaig to the Overnight Camp at Glenfinnan. The runners began by running on a scenic road that takes them south along Loch Linhe, before travelling into the more remote territory of Cona Glen, a beautiful glacial valley through the Ardgour Peninsula. The area is known for its Golden Eagles, but with the inclement Scottish weather, it’s unlikely many runners will have spotted any of the birds of prey.

Despite the rain, our runners were upbeat on the boat to the start

This morning, participants came to collect their GPS trackers before heading on down to the pier in Fort William where a ferry was waiting to take them to the start line. Participants then set off in three waves.

Although the rain didn’t appear to be subsiding anytime soon, the atmosphere on the ferry was electric, with all the runners buzzing to get going.

We chatted to possible frontrunners Simon Roberts (2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race® winner) and Howard Dracup (3rd in 2022 Spine Challenger North) as they sheltered together from the rain on the boat. They were feeling good ahead of the challenge, though Simon was not as well-rested as he had hoped.

 “There was a crazy wedding in my hotel last night, so I’m not that well-rested,” he said. “It’s a short day today anyway, so it should be fine.”

When asked about the challenges for the day, Howard said: “Just trying to get there without setting off too fast really.”

Simon agreed, saying “That’s the key for today – keep myself as fresh as possible.”

Laura McCauley and Ben Gibson were looking forward to the challenge ahead of them as we spoke to them on the boat.

 “I’m pretty terrified really but also pretty excited to finally get here,” Laura said. “I was meant to do it two years ago, so been probably panicking about it for two years. But it is a holiday for me. I really want to do the journey. I’d love to go from here to Cape Wrath and I didn’t fancy taking 3 weeks to do it so I thought this would be a good way – an all-inclusive trip.”

Ben’s strategy was to go out slow. “I think for me it’s just not pushing too hard too early. Just pacing yourself throughout the whole journey and just enjoying yourself as much as you can do. Accepting the weather you get and just deal with it.”

He signed up after his friend Laura encouraged him to do so. “I’m doing it, because it’s the journey, but I also tell people it’s peer pressure – that I was forced to do it by a few folks who I’ll not mention here standing nearby,” he said, looking pointedly at Laura.

We asked if they were planning on running together: “We’ll see what happens,” said Ben.

“I think it’s every man for himself,” said Laura with a laugh.

Susan Nicol is running after having volunteered at the last event.

“I’m actually feeling a lot better than I have been all week. It’s nice just to be here and get going. This is good for me, the weather, this rain in our faces will be good. I wouldn’t say I’m happy about it, but I’m used to it. It’s definitely an extra challenge.”

She was feeling confident ahead of day 1: “That’s about the only day I’m feeling okay about. I’ll just take my time today. I know the route today as well, so I’ll just take my time and try not to get any blisters.”

Runners were welcomed to Trislaig with traditional Scottish bagpipes

As the boat pulled into Trislaig, runners were greeted by the sound of Louis MacMillan playing the bagpipes. The atmosphere was thrilling as runners made their way to the start line, ready and raring to go.

Nathan Whittaker, last finisher of the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race® was chatting with Scottish runner, Nicole Morgan, as they prepared for the adventure ahead.

“I can’t wait,” Nathan said. “I’ve wanted to do the Cape Wrath trail for a long time so this seemed like a great way to do it.”

Nicole is looking forward to exploring parts of the country she’s never been to before. She said: “I’m looking forward to the full route. I think it will be really good to see different parts of Scotland. I’m from here, so I’ve done lots of bits and pieces around but never actually the trail.” 

For Nicole, this is a very different kind of challenge. “I’ve done like a couple of marathons. I usually do triathlons, so this is just different as I don’t have my bike.”

With the weather so wet though, it was suggested swimming might still be on the cards.

“I thought about bringing a bathing suit and then looked at the forecast and thought I should just bring an arc,” Nathan joked.

Fuelling was also a hot topic on the start line.

After struggling with eating at the SILVA Great Lakeland 3Day, Nathan is adopting a different strategy. He said: “This time I’ve been a bit more clever and had more running based-gels because I didn’t eat enough last time. But also Pepparami, because I need something you enjoy as well. And Tailwind.”

Nicole, on the other hand, had a different plan in mind. “I absolutely hate gels, so I’ve no gels. But I’ve got chewy energy sweeties, and then lots of nuts and bars and flapjacks. And I’ve got pork pies for a little bit of meat down the road,” she said. “I know what I like on a day in the hills so that’s what I’m going with and we’ll see how we get on. I’ll try not to get hungry. Eat before your stomach’s telling you to.”

For new mother, Karen, this is her first time away from her daughter

Karen Ritchie only gave birth to her daughter seven months ago, but she is ready to tackle this world-class challenge. The inspirational mum ran right through pregnancy, and even did a 10k a week before giving birth. Her husband and baby girl were there to see her off on the boat this morning. 

“I’m a little bit emotional,” she said. “It was the hardest thing just leaving this morning, but good to go. I’ve been doing big runs while I’ve been feeding her and she’s been absolutely fine with her dad so that was always the plan to make sure that she’s happy while I was running. They’re gonna have a great time. I think he’s going to have a more stressful time than I am to be honest.”

Karen is planning to meet her husband and daughter on the route. “I didn’t want to see them too soon, so I’ll see them on day 4. So the plan is to get to day 4 and then every day on top of that is a bonus.”

Her decision to take on this epic challenge is certainly inspiring. “I think it’s really powerful. My family thought I was mad not delaying it another year but I feel like training with a newborn when you’re off work is better than training with a one year old when you’re back at work, so I decided to go for it.”

“Also, there’s so much post-natal depression around that if you have a goal in mind, as mental as it might be, it’s something to aim for. It’s easier to get through I think rather than just thinking about how you’re at home all the time.”

It’s not been easy though for Karen. “Even running through pregnancy, I think being compared to other people and other people being compared to me was really heartbreaking. I just think stop comparing women, I think everyone’s fine for where they’re at, if someone can stay as active as possible, if not, that’s fine too, we just gotta keep going.”

The atmosphere was buzzing on the start line

The runners set off in three waves today, but each wave was played another tune on the bagpipes before setting off on their incredible challenge. The mood was magical, with many jigging along to the music before setting off with a look of steely determination in their eyes.

Simon Roberts was first, but followed closely by Laura O’Driscoll

The wet weather eased off a bit in the afternoon, and the mood of runners coming back from a wonderful time out on the course was very positive. We managed to catch a few of them as they came running in.

Megan James looked particularly happy as she came running towards the finish of day 1. “It’s gorgeous out there,” she said with a grin.

Jack Edwards was also smiling despite managing to fall over one day in. “It’s going good,” he told us. “I had a couple of nice falls. It’s very muddy.”

The stream crossings were already proving tricky. Lindsay Hamoudi took it in his stride though: “I almost drowned, but I survived,” he laughed as he ran past.

After a very strong start to the race, Simon Roberts was the fastest runner of the day. Fastest woman, and second overall, was Irish runner, Laura O’Driscoll, who had a big smile on her face as she came running towards the finish, looking as fresh as if she’d just gone for a light jog. She came into camp only a few minutes behind Simon.

Tonight the runners camp under the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct

Tonight, the runners will rest and recuperate in a beautiful overnight camping spot underneath the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, a location featured in many films, most notably the Harry Potter franchise. Many runners enjoyed the sight of the steam train going over the bridge as they loaded up on delicious three bean chilli. They were also thrilled to receive Ultra Mail from their friends and family who had sent messages of encouragement. 

We caught up with Nathan Whittaker again at the Overnight Camp.

“It was a really nice warm-up day. It was a good introduction to the trail,” he said.

“My highlight is probably coming down off the highest point. It was kind of boggy, kind of wet, knee deep at some points, but that’s just part of the fun. There was a nice little stream crossing at the end.”

Tomorrow, the runners have a long day ahead of them as they journey further into the Scottish wilderness of Knoydart on one of the remotest days of their adventure. It will be a tough day for most, with 35 miles of rough ground to conquer.

 You can follow their journey below:

With strong starts from Simon and Laura, it could be an interesting and competitive race. However, with seven days still to go, there is still all to play for. Will Simon manage to strengthen his lead and continue his phenomenal performance following the Dragon’s Back Race? Or will Laura manage to catch him following a strong day?

Fancy joining us next year?

Entries are already open for 2023. If you want to join our runners in a world-class adventure through the Highlands, sign up and join us in Fort William.

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