Day seven: the camaraderie amongst runners shines through as they conquer the final long day

Only 145 participants set out today on the penultimate day of the Cape Wrath Ultra, an epic 8-day journey north from Fort William to the iconic Cape Wrath lighthouse. Only 104 of our incredible runners are still competitive, after being battered by everything the Scottish weather could throw at them earlier on in the race. Today, however, the milder weather that had been promised all week finally made an appearance.

Today was the last of the longer days, with 61km of running over a hugely varied mix of terrain. The route took participants through some of the most breathtaking and rugged scenery in the north-west of Scotland. Participants passed by the highest waterfall in the UK, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, and ran alongside some remote sea lochs, accessible only to those adventurous enough to explore on foot. The route of Day 7 culminated in a longer stretch of road. This was extremely tough for some participants, who found the hard tarmac particularly painful on already-exhausted legs, whereas others took the opportunity to pick up some speed on the flatter ground.

*North West Scotland is like another world ©No Limits Photography*

People felt more confident than ever on the start line

There was very much the sense that the end was in sight at the start line this morning. Although today was a long day, the final day is only 26km, so many felt that they just had one more final push before reaching that legendary lighthouse they had all been dreaming of.

Mark Oakes was feeling good knowing the finish was not far off. He said: “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing that lighthouse.”

We asked him for his highlights so far: “One is the route – the whole route is absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls – we’ve seen a number of waterfalls, which are really, really nice. And then my body is actually managing. It’s in pain, but I’m managing.”

Peter O Kane was determined to stay focussed. He said: “I just don’t want to think too far ahead. Just get this day out the way. I can’t descend anymore, but climbing’s alright. So I quite like that because I get warm climbing. I just take my time going down. Then just keep going, keep going, till I can’t.”

*Smiles on the start line as the finish draws nearer ©No Limits Photography*

Philippa Haworth was nervous, but she now felt confident she would complete the challenge. She had plenty to keep her motivated: “The ultra-mail is a good motivator. I get that printed off every evening. I read through that and remember them during the day – it’s really nice. People are rooting for you, and you’ve come this far.”

Her favourite part of the whole journey has been the people. “You find yourself running with the same people day in, day out – you overtake them, they overtake you, people cheer you along. Then you get back to your tent at night and a couple of the ladies in my tent blew up my mattress for me last night, and it’s just so lovely. The people definitely make an event. We’re all in this together at this point.”

*Today, participants were on a mission to get to Kinlochbervie ©No Limits Photography*

We caught up with Scottish runner, Claire McCann as she started out this morning. Claire has had a smile right the way through her journey.

She said: “It’s been incredible. There’s been ups and downs, and that’s not just the hills.”

We asked her how she managed to maintain such a positive attitude.

“I think it’s the sense of achievement. When you’re through those long arduous days and you think ‘I’ve done another day.’ I can keep doing it one day at a time,” she said. “And it’s been good to get the ultra-mail as well, with family and friends sending in the messages.”

There were some trickier moments though: “It’s all the times that people don’t see. They don’t see the weather underfoot and the conditions and the bog and the river crossings, which are really quite tricky at times.”

However, she was grateful for the help from both the Event Team and other runners.

“We had a team deployed yesterday to help us cross one of the rivers, which I’m thankful for. We also had one situation where we were all in a chain.”

*Some participants headed out bright and early this morning ©No Limits Photography*

Runners were in a good mood at Loch Glendhu

The stretch of trail that bends around Loch Glendhu is gloriously runnable although undulating. The distinctive rock formations provided a beautiful backdrop for our participants today, as they enjoyed the drier weather and spectacular views of the loch. However, with over six days of hard running in their legs, most runners had slowed down now, with many opting for a fast hike rather than a run.

Ben Gibson was enjoying the day when we caught up with him. He said: “It’s a bit painful, but I’m enjoying it. The scenery is absolutely spectacular.”

Like many others, seeing his family is a key thing keeping him going. “I think knowing I’m going to see my wife in a few days makes a big difference. I’m really looking forward to seeing her.”

Paul Colledge was also having a good run. He said: “It’s a stunning place. This loch we’re coming around now, just getting to see it from all angles is really special.”

*Participants enjoyed the spectacular Highland views ©No Limits Photography*

Frontrunner Graham Walton was in very strong form when he came running past. While others had taken to hiking the ascents, he was still running up the inclines.

He had caused quite a stir yesterday when he ran some of the course shirtless. He was wearing a top today though as he came flying past. “I’ve got my stomach away today,” he joked. “I’m an embarrassing dad at heart.”

Having lost his lead to Thomas Øderud, he had pushed hard the previous day. He said: “I think I needed a cuddle at the end yesterday. It was a bit too much. The guy was chasing me. He was starting a few minutes behind me each day and then trying to catch me, which he was doing.”

*Runners were immersed in the rugged landscape ©No Limits Photography*

Friendships form amongst runners helping each other through

Many runners have found themselves teaming up and running together. One of the real highlights of events like this is seeing the camaraderie developing amongst the runners. Many runners will make friends for life – it is the really challenging and trying times in life that can bring people together, and with the wild weather conditions this year, the event certainly is challenging enough.

Charlotte Rosier and Irene Finnegan had teamed up and were running as a pair when we caught up with them. We saw Charlotte in a very low moment yesterday, but today she had a smile on her face as she enjoyed the stunning backdrop of Loch Glendhu in the sunshine.

“It’s good to be together on Day 7, pushing it to the end. It’s amazing, it’s long, but it feels good, we’re quite happy.”

The pair were feeling confident now that they were going to finish the race: “For sure, even if we have to crawl to the end,” Charlotte said with a laugh. “But I think we’re good, we’re far from that. Girl power!”

*Irene and Charlotte had an incredible run today ©No Limits Photography*

Laura McCaulley and Nicole Morgan were another pair who had teamed up to keep each other motivated. They both had a smile on their face as they knew the end was in sight.

“It was really nice to have that rough bit over and realise that we’re gonna make the cut off comfortably. What a relief! And it’s dry!” Laura said.

Laura’s partner Ian Stewart had come out with their dog to cheer her on as she pressed on around the loch. Ian Stewart famously won the 2021 edition of the challenging Cape Wrath Ultra®, so it’s been a very different experience for him watching from the sidelines rather than taking part.

He said: “You get a totally different perspective, because when you’re in it, you just do it a day at a time, or a km at a time and if you do that enough times you end up at the lighthouse and it’s fine. But on the outside you see the scale of it. It’s phenomenal really.”

He was impressed at the runners’ resilience in what have been the most challenging conditions in the event’s history. “Massive kudos to anyone who’s still in it. It’s definitely separated the field a bit. It’s not just a running event – it’s also the mountain craft that goes into it.”

*The rocky landscape is the perfect backdrop for an epic adventure ©No Limits Photography*

The joy at the finish line was tangible

Graham Walton had another storming run when he crossed the finish line. He was definitely on a mission to win, though he looked much fresher on the finish line today than he had yesterday.

Having started the day in second place behind Thomas by only five minutes, he had been working hard to close the gap.

“I don’t know what happened to Thomas, so I guess i’m going to sit here for five minutes. I want my lead,” he said with a laugh.

He enjoyed having support from those watching the race today. “I got loads of support from my friends and family. I got millions of messages and whatsapp messages – it was nice.”

Previous frontrunner, Thomas Øderud, unfortunately became ill overnight, and while he managed to run the course in an impressive 9 hours 15, he has now conceded the lead to Graham.

Vicky Savage was first woman in today, having flown round the course. Her friends and family met her out on the road with a huge banner to spur her on as she came running in.

At the finish, she said: “That was hard. I felt good earlier – I don’t feel so good now.” She went to rest ahead of the next day, satisfied with her efforts as the fastest woman of the day.

*The weather was much kinder on the tops today ©No Limits Photography*

There were tears for female frontrunner, Laura O Driscoll, at the finish line today, as she was met by her fiancé who had come all the way to support her. It has been a really tough race for Laura after she rolled her ankle on Day 3, but watching her push through has been really phenomenal. Despite slowing down, she is still leading the women’s race by over an hour.

*It was wonderful to see such a positive mood on course ©No Limits Photography*

The atmosphere in Kinlochbervie was magical

There were more emotional scenes at camp today, with runners weeping for joy at the finish line in the knowledge that they are now going to achieve their dream of reaching the lighthouse. The vast majority the runners who have completed Day 7 will now make it to the end, and conquer the famous Cape Wrath Ultra.

Directly on the loch, Kinlochbervie is another scenic location for an overnight camp. However, it wasn’t the beautiful views that runners were most happy about, or even the chips. Runners today were greeted with the news that there were hot showers available in the village hall. After seven days now without a shower, this news alone was enough to bring tears to some participants’ eyes.

Tomorrow will likely bring even more tears, as runners will make their way across the sweeping golden beach of Sandwood Bay, before arriving at the famous Cape Wrath lighthouse. It has been an absolutely incredible journey so far, with our athletes proving their phenomenal mental and physical toughness while supporting each other along the way. However, with 26km to go, there is still one final push. Follow their progress on their final day:

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