Day two: into the wilderness

Today 268 runners headed into Knoydart, a place widely cited to be the last true wilderness in the UK, as they tackled 35 miles of difficult running through rough terrain. Knoydart is notoriously remote, only accessible by a 16-mile hike through rough country or by boat, which is a challenge for organisers, who have to contend with the logistics of possibly extracting retired participants from the course.

The runners today enjoyed the views of the stunning Glen Dessary and had to meet cut off times at Strathan and Carnoch. It’s a tough day, with the trail particularly undulating, but runners were rewarded with the most incredible views, that most people will never get the chance to experience due to their inaccessibility.

*The runners explored the wild landscape ©No Limits Photography*

Spirits were high at the day 2 start line

Despite the drizzle, everyone seemed in good spirits as they dropped off their dry bags, ate breakfast and headed out onto the course. Runners could leave anytime between 07:00 and 09:00, meaning there was a steady flow of runners leaving camp in the morning.

We chatted to some participants as they headed out into the wilderness.

Kate Phillips was still buzzing from the previous day. “I had a great day yesterday. I loved it.”

She was a bit more nervous today though. “It’s longer but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve done the last bit before because I did the highland ultra a month ago, so I know how hideous that last bit is so that’s not going to surprise me.”

Hayley White was also feeling good. “Yesterday was great. It went too quick actually, not that I’m complaining. I’m looking forward to today – I’m feeling great. I had a great night’s sleep actually, which is unusual as I don’t usually sleep well at these kinds of things.”

Sisters, Jen Stronge and Amanda Stronge have both flown from Canada to take part. They said: “it’s beautiful. Yesterday was gorgeous - the cows in that field were so cool and the waterfalls.”

They were keen to take part in the race due to a family connection: “Our mum’s from here – she grew up in Scotland.”

Fastest on day one and winner of the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race, Simon Roberts, was one of those leaving a bit later in the morning. He looked confident and ready to go when we spoke to him.

“Yesterday was awesome, successful day,” he said. “We started on the boat so we were cold and wet, the bagpipes were playing, and I got a bit emotional then.”

“The running yesterday was really flat and very, very runnable. I had to be really careful not to go too fast so I had to keep on having a word with myself, but once we got up the ascent, the descent was brilliant. It was boggy and soaking wet and rocky. It was class – I loved it. It was a real confidence boost really because I’ve had a bad month of training so I needed it.”

He was excited for the adventure ahead: “The adventure starts today – going into the wild stuff.”

*Simon Roberts was looking on good form until sustaining a knee injury ©No Limits Photography*

“These are some of the most exciting miles I’ve done in my life”

Runners were looking extremely muddy as they made their way along the stunning track along Loch Hourn to Kinloch Hourn. The undulating track was difficult to negotiate, with the muddy descents being particularly hard for the runners to get a grip on.

Fortunately, the wet weather of the morning had cleared up in the afternoon, revealing the most spectacular scenery of the sea lochs and the Munros as the runners made their way towards Kinloch Hourn.

Many runners looked exhausted as they came running past, including Simon Roberts, first man of the day, who had unfortunately sustained a nasty knee injury on the course. Although he still finished the day in an impressive time, he headed straight to the medical tent upon returning to camp, and was feeling apprehensive for the days ahead.

However, Laura O’Driscoll, first woman of the day, looked strong as she negotiated a particularly tricky muddy descent.

“That’s a tough day – a lot tougher than the prologue,” she said. “I’m not too bad. My toes are a bit sore, but you can’t really move that fast through the bogs, so hopefully that will help my legs.” With Simon being injured, Laura seems like she will be one to watch as the days progress.

*Laura O’Driscoll had another strong run ©No Limits Photography*

Welsh runner, Peter O’Kane was in a good mood when we caught him. He said: “What a buffet of weather we’ve had, but it’s been a nice day.”

He was in awe of the route. “It’s been a real kind of journey. I’ve seen lots of different places – It’s great.”

He was finding the final few miles challenging: “Why do they put so many hills at the end?” he joked.

Will Mangar was also in high spirits. “These are some of the most exciting miles I’ve done in my whole life. The most technical but exciting running. I’m alright, it’s a real mind game, isn’t it? I think it will hit me in a few weeks. I’ll come back and think, my god, what a thing!”

Third woman, Vicky Savage, had a smile on her face as she as she breezed past, but was looking forward to refuelling at the camps: “It’s tiring. It’s nice to get out of the bogs. It’s been a day of bogs to be honest. I’m looking forward to those chips.”

*The bogs provided an extra challenge ©No Limits Photography*

Claire Gordon was enjoying her time out in nature. “It’s been quite muddy, but really amazing scenery. We’re quite lucky that the weather improved. It’s such a stunning part of Scotland that so few people get to. I’m really enjoying it.”

Penrith-based runner, Megan James was looking forward to even more amazing scenery on Day 3. “I really like that area. It’s the area I know most. I’m hoping it will feel familiar.”

This isn’t her first multi-day ultra, having completed the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® previously. “I’ve done a few of these, but not in a couple of years because of Covid. This is the biggest I’ve done in a while.”

“This is really different. So much of the Dragon’s Back Race was about navigation as well, and the ascent is different. I kind of feel like I should be running more of this, but it’s so hard to run.”

Will Robinson was also finding the bogs tricky, but certainly hadn’t lost his sense of humour. “I wish they’d turn the taps on a little bit more. It’s very boggy. I was speaking to a new Malaysian mate and he said it was like running through the paddy fields – it was so wet.”

*Only the most intrepid will experience these stunning views ©No Limits Photography*

Overnight camp 2 is a world away from civilisation

At the end of the longest dead-end road in the UK, Kinloch Hourn is untouched by tourists and the usual thoroughfare of less remote hiking spots. Tucked away at the end of Loch Hourn and overshadowed by dramatic Munros, it was the perfect place for participants to refuel ahead of day 3. Some were even lucky enough to greet the resident stag, Callum, who roams the land around the camp.

There was an incredible atmosphere at camp, with many gathering around the finish line to welcome in their fellow runners. With the field so spread out, it was wonderful to see the camaraderie amongst the runners supporting each other and cheering everyone on.

*The final run to Kinloch Hourn is beautiful but challenging ©No Limits Photography*

Simon Roberts was first man but struggling with injury – Laura O’Driscoll has maintained her lead

Day 2 is notoriously difficult, and unfortunately not everyone made it, with 11 people dropping out at check point 1 and 13 from checkpoint 2. It’s likely that they will be joined by more retirees before the week is out, which really is a testament to how tough this challenge is.

However, runners who struggled with Day 2 can’t expect much respite from Day 3, which is even longer and with more elevation. With Simon potentially struggling with injury, it will certainly be interesting to see how the race pans out.

Even though we’re only two days into the journey, incredible stories of camaraderie and endurance are already emerging. There are many more adventures to come. You can follow the journey here:

HOW TO FOLLOW THE RACE