A day of wet, bog and wind at higher levels made for a tale of two very different races for the 175 participants that took on Day 2 of the Cape Wrath Ultra 2018.

As chief blogger, I took the time to run with some of the participants on the course. As they finished the final 10k of day one, I caught up with a variety of runners.

Nervous anticipation turned to smiles and enthusiasm for almost all of the runners as they set out – and completed – day one of the Cape Wrath Ultra 2018.

First came the team of race staff and volunteers – and then some 178 participants – as final preparations were put into place for Cape Wrath Ultra 2018 today.

Many of the event team, totalling around 70 and from as far afield as Germany and south-west England, had gathered in Fort William the night before. An evening meal of shared pizza at the Snowgoose Hostel gave them the chance to meet each other and find out more about their roles for the following eight days.

The first of 178 participants, arriving from 26 different countries, formed an orderly queue as registration opened at the Nevis Centre in Fort William at 2pm today. Carrying large bags of kit (many using brightly coloured super-sized ORTLIEB dry bags) and with a general look of anticipation mixed with anxiety, they checked in and picked up race numbers, maps, safety briefings and t-shirts. Marshals ensured their race rucksacks contained all the mandatory kit.

The Cape Wrath Ultra™ passes through some of Scotland’s most outstanding upland landscapes, recognised as areas of national and international importance for their upland wildlife habitats, flora and fauna.

The inaugural Cape Wrath Ultra™ in 2016 blew everyone away with a week of perfect weather showcasing the very best of the Scottish Highlands to the intrepid runners. Universally declared a bucket list event by the 2016 participants the biennial Cape Wrath Ultra™ returns for its second edition, starting Sunday 20th May in Fort William.

In partnership with BMC TV, we are delighted to announce the public release of the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra™. The film, produced by Slackjaw, focuses on a handful of the inaugural event's participants as they head for Cape Wrath on a once in a lifetime, 8-day expedition race weaving 400km through the Highlands of Scotland.

To complement the "How hard can it be? Could you run an 8-day epic through wild Scotland" article featuring the Cape Wrath Ultra™ in the latest issue of Trail Running Magazine, we've got some extra content for you to savour featuring Hazel Robertson, née Clyne, (joint 58th with Luke) and Iain Prentice (20th). Thanks to Claire Maxted for the questions!

We really rate the article and the other content in the mag, so be sure to subscribe or at least pick up the latest issue in your local stockist!

Event Director’s Report

By Shane Ohly

Introduction

I have learnt from the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ what a profound impact an event like the Cape Wrath Ultra™ can have on the participants, and event team alike. This event was no exception, and there were many moments of profound highs, and a few profound lows for many people involved in the event. We promised an ‘extraordinary adventure’ and ‘a once in a lifetime journey’, and I believe we delivered this.

It was an honour to share the journey and adventure with such a great event team, and a group of participants that exceeded my expectations in terms of the high finish rate, and their jovial and determined approach.

The intensity of the experience, amplified by extreme fatigue has the effect of raising emotions and searing the event into one’s mind. I know that we all remember the inaugural Cape Wrath Ultra™ for the rest of our lives.

Marcus Scotney (UK), ran down the track towards the Cape Wrath lighthouse at 11:05 on Sunday 29th May, and was cheered into the finish of the first Cape Wrath Ultra™ by a small group of fellow runners, media, and race staff. Running strongly, he arrived in the lighthouse compound high up on the cliffs and was directed into the tiny yet welcoming Ozone Café to punch in for his finish time (yes, there is a café here! In fact, it is the only reason anyone is here normally as the lighthouse is automated).

As you might expect the finish line of the Cape Wrath Ultra™ was extraordinary and that bit different.

The Cape Wrath lighthouse stands proudly atop some towering cliffs and overlooks a large sea stack and caves and this iconic place has been the aim of the participants for the past 8 days. Many of the old surrounding ruins are now tumbling down, the lighthouse is automated, and the only resident is the owner of the Ozone Cafe and his dogs.

As racers waited for their bus ride out at the Cape Wrath lighthouse there was time to take some finish line photos on their phones, and one of the most commonly taken shots was of Giliam Boogerd’s feet!

Marcus Scotney (UK), ran down the track towards the Cape Wrath lighthouse at 11:05 this morning and was cheered into the finish of the first Cape Wrath Ultra™ by a small group of other runners, media, and race staff. With today being a short day, just 16 cross-country miles, he was not the first to finish which meant he had a welcome reception from some of those who can best appreciate what he has accomplished. Running strongly he arrived in the lighthouse compound high on the cliffs and was directed into the tiny yet welcoming Ozone Cafe to punch in for his finish time (yes, there is a cafe here! In fact it is the only reason anyone is here normally as the lighthouse is automated).