By Alice Morrison and Fiona Outdoors
It’s been a tough eight days on the trail for the participants of the Cape Wrath Ultra in Scotland which crosses 400km of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, starting at Fort William and finishing at the most north-westerly point on the British mainland, Cape Wrath.
Honours went to Robert Barnes of England for the men who came in in 45:37:23 and Carol Morgan of Ireland for the women with 55:11:53.
At the finish line, Robert had this to say:
“I have enjoyed the race and I am pleased to win. It has been a great week. I did struggle on the rockier terrain because I am not used to that but I like running on grass and heather and there has been enough of that.”
Robert Barnes. Photo credit: Jimmy Hyland JHP Visuals.
Jim Mann, also from England and winner of the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race in 2015 was second but Scotland’s national pride was redeemed by Jamie Ramsay who took third but had problems with his ankle tendon:
“I smashed out the first 10k today but then my ankle tendon started to hurt a lot again. I have been in so much pain these last few days. I have had a fantastic time, though, and I have been very appreciative of all my fellow runners who have supported me throughout the event. I feel humbled by the Cape Wrath Ultra.”
For the women, it was the unstoppable Carol Morgan with a great run which put her 2 hours and 42 minutes ahead of Sarah Witte. Karoline Hanks of South Africa came third.
In 2017, Carol won the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race and the Montane Spine Race. At the finish line she said: “I feel great. Yesterday was a hard day for me and I felt fatigued after so many days of running. I think I was also mentally tired. So, it is great to reach Cape Wrath. It feels like we have run to the edge of the world.”
Carol Morgan. Photo credit: Jimmy Hyland JHP Visuals.
Final thoughts go to the race director, Shane Ohly who reflected on the race:
“The Scottish Highlands has given us a full spectrum of weather, from spectacular sunshine in Kintail, Torridon and the Fisherfields to wild, wet and windy in Knoydart. The complexities of the event have also challenged participants and the event team in equal measure. But spirits have been high throughout and the finish line at Cape Wrath lighthouse was a perfect end to an incredible race.”
Top three men
- Robert Barnes, England, 45:37:23
- Jim Mann, England, 47:43:25
- Jamie Ramsay, Scotland, 49:07:17
Top three women
- Carol Morgan, Ireland, 55:11:53
- Sarah Witte, England, 57:53:27
- Karoline Hanks, South Africa, 59:03:58
Photo credit: Jimmy Hyland JHP Visuals.
For more: Cape Wrath Ultra Race 2018
Twitter
