Ian is a photographer, writer, reviewer and blogger at iancorless.com. Ian is currently travelling the world capturing stories from some of the most iconic ultras on the planet. Ian is also creative director and host of an ultra running podcast called Talk Ultra. The show is available every 2 weeks 'for free' on iTunes and talkultra.com.
The big man in the sky did it again, he refreshed the batteries in the big sun torch and then shone it down on the Highlands of Scotland – it was ‘another’ incredible day!
Departing Inchadamph between 0700-0900, the 62 runners remaining in the race headed north on the penultimate day of the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra. Passing Loch Glencoul and then traversing over Air da Loch, the runners then passed around the stunning Loch Glendhu before climbing up and over to Cp1 on the A838.
A long tough section of technical trail culminated in Cp2 and then the final kilometres wound up and down on a stunning road around Loch Inchard into the day 7 bivouac – Kinlochbervie.
Do I need to say who won day 7?
Marcus Scotney has been in impressive form during this race – he has looked relaxed, calm and in control in every moment and it has been impressive to watch. He has paced himself and at all times has looked capable of going faster or moving into another gear if required. He won the day in 6:42:05.
Thomas Adams has also been incredibly consistent but today on stage 7 the fatigue was starting to hit, he fought hard but didn’t look as fresh as other days finishing in 8:28:58. Pavel Paloncy has looked tired all week and has at all times looked to be fighting the terrain. No doubt, Paloncy is a tough and gritty runner. Today he finished 5th 8:59:23.
A notable mention must go to Andrew Biffen and Ian White who finished 4th and 5th on the stage and they have both improved as the week has passed. Ian White though is till 1-hour of Paloncy for overall 3rd,
But anyone who contemplated this race has required grit and with just 1 day left, the 59 runners left in the race will almost look at the final 16-mile day as a ‘recovery’ day.
Swollen feet, aching knees, tired bodies, fatigued minds and a desire ‘to get this done,’ has pushed all the runners to complete an incredible challenge – the Cape Wrath Ultra is a tough race!
Overall standings after day-6
Marcus Scotney 39:03:22
Thomas Adams 42:51:45
Pavel Paloncy 48:31:11
Ladies leader, Ita Emanuela Marzotto had a tough day 7 finishing in 3rd place in 12:51:37, not helped by a minor fall in the final mile. She looked a little shocked at the finish, a sit down and some RnR did the trick though.
Louise Staples won the day in 11:23:18 followed by Louise Watson in 12:19:21 – both ladies have been consistent and fought hard all week and have really impressed.
Overall standings after day-6
Ita Manuela Mariotto 49:03:02
Laura Watson 51:18:08
Louise Staples 52:11:49
Tomorrow is the last day, a 16-mile jaunt to the tip of the UK – Cape Wrath.
Day 6 was ’just’ 45 miles and what a day – the longest day of the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra. The early stages were remote and isolated but in the latter stages, the mountains loomed and single-track trail lead the runners into camp. It was another day of wall-to-wall sunshine and many are saying, me included, that we may never come back to Scotland as the weather could never be this good again!
The views, the scenery, the landscape and the mountains have been magical – almost alpine! It has been quite an amazing week and journey. Of course, the race is not yet over.
Day 6 was a long day and not all runners made the finish but those that did were all home by 2100 hours. With over 30 miles tomorrow for stage 5, it is starting to look likely that many who start tomorrow will finish the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra. But as Shane Ohly says, ‘After this many days running, bodies, minds and legs are tired and stage 7 is a tough day, certainly over the first half!’
Marcus Scotney and Ita Emanuela Marzotto, once again were the male and female 1st placed runners on the day, that is 6 out of 6 for Scotney and in all honesty, he made it look it easy.
Thomas Adams gain ran a strong 2nd and Andrew Biffen/ Stuart MacDonald, for the ladies, Laura Watson finished 2nd and Louise Staples 3rd.
This is Episode 112 of Talk Ultra and we speak with Nicky Spinks about that incredible DOUBLE Bob Graham Round. Emelie Forsberg joins us to tell us all about her injury, how she feels and when (we hope) she will be back and we speak to ‘The Jeff’s’ an inspiring husband and wife who took respective 1st places at the Salt Flats 100
NEWS
Ultra Trail Australia
Men
Pau Capell 9:20
Ben Duffus 9:39
Yun Yanqiao 9:42
notable 4th – Ryan Sandes 9:48
Beth Cardelli 11:16
Fiona Hayvice 11:33
Kellie Emmerson 11:53
00:16:16 INTERVIEW Steven Jeff and Meagan Jeff – Salt Flats 100
Quicksilver 100k
Paul Terranova 9:17
Chris Calzetta 9:32
Mario Martinez 9:56
Krissy Moehl 11:02
Roxana Pana 11:44
Monica Imana 12:13
ROB YOUNG – marathonmanUK has started his Transcontinental run record (2766 miles) on May 14th. He started with an 81 mile day 1…. you can track him HERE
At the time of recording having run 5-days he was just south of the Grand Canyon heading to Flagstaff
We mentioned in the last show about Nicky Spinks completing the DOUBLE BOB GRAHAM ROUND and I am really pleased to say I caught up with her just days after of this inspiring interview. Only the 2nd person and 1st lady to complete a double BGR in 45:30
A chilly wind and cloud greeted the runners for the first couple of hours of day 5, don’t worry, it didn’t last long and what followed was blue skies and white fluffy clouds… why do people say the weather is ‘always’ bad in Scotland?
In all honesty, the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra really has hit a purple patch of weather, not only providing the runners with stunning clear views (easier navigation), but wonderful sunshine tempered by just a subtle breeze. This race would be very different with inclement weather and clag – very different!
27 miles faced the runners today and a moderate 1400m of climbing. Departing from Kinlochewe between 0700-0900 double-track roads and relatively little elevation took the runners to the Fisherfield mountains and one of the most impressive views on Scotland (apparently). From the Fisherfield Mountain, and corner of Lochn Fada, the views off to the distance are impressive. An early incentive to tick off the miles.
From here it was long trek to CP1 through Bealach Nan Croise and the mountains of Beinn Tarsuinn, Mullach Coire Mhic Fearchair and Sgurr Bann made for a stunning backdrop. On the final stretch of the day while heading to Inverdael, Loch Broom loomed the left and Ullapool could be seen in the distance. It was an impressive day, once again!
Overall standings did not change and in all honesty, the finishing format (at least at the front) has little variation – I wonder, will someone blow up? Have a bad day? Go of course?
The level of consistency (for all runners) is quite impressive, it really takes some tenacity, grit and determination to bang out these distances day-after-day.
Marcus Scotney and Ita Emanuela Marzotto, once again were the male and female 1st placed runners on the day, that is 5 out of 5 for Scotney, and their times were equally impressive, 4:08:45 and 6:24:09. I have to say, Scotney looks like he has another gear spare should he need it – I don’t think he will!
Thomas Adams again played bridesmaid in 4:36:01 and Stuart Macdonald today pipped Pavel Paloncy to 3rd place on the stage, 5:02:33 to 5:07:43.
Louise Staples and Laura Watson finished 2nd and 3rd in the lades race, 6:42:21and 6:48:37 respectively.
The multiple days, accumulative distance, fatigue and tired, sore bodies are now looking to the end in Cape Wrath. With 3-days to go it is in sight BUT tomorrow is a big day and unfortunately some won’t make it! The ice cream at the end of day 5 will have helped though.
Day 4 of the Cape Wrath Ultra was a stunner, no, it was amazing! The early morning cold temperatures and icy wind lifted to show the highlands in their true magnificence and what a course… today was arguably THE day of the Cape Wrath Ultra.
Just 69 runners (from 95) are left in the race, yes, the first 3-days have really started to hit! Although day-4 was a ‘recovery’ day (heard in the camp this morning!) of 22 miles, it was still a day of epic challenges and one seriously beautiful course. In particular, the section of trail from CP1 (on the A896) in the Glen Torridon that weaved it’s way up and up via a stony path between Spidean a Choire Leith and Spidean Coire nan Clach to the amazing cauldron that backed onto Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair. This is a stunning place! Despite tired legs, fatigue, pain and no matter what ailments, this place put a smile on every single participants face.
It may come as no surprise that Marcus Scotney once again lead the charge. He was instructed by event director, Shane Ohly, that under no circumstances must he start before 0900. For the remaining runners, the start window of 0700-0900 was open and many, despite fatigue, still decided to leave early in the hope that they would be back in camp to gain additional rest at the end of the day.
Finishing in Kinlochewe, Scotney stopped the clock in 4:05:52 and although Thomas Adams had been very close to hime at the midway point, he lost more time at the finish with a 4:22:22. Ian White finished 3rd and Pavel Paloncy finished 4th, their respective times 4:41:23 and 4:42:32 – looks like we may have a fight on our hands for 3rd place with Paloncy just 9-minutes advantage.
For the ladies, Ita Emanuela Marzotto was back on form today, with a definite, ‘I love the mountains!’ as she moved past me on the trail. Her time of 6:14:51 extended her lead over Laura Watson (overall ladies 2nd place) who finished in 6:42:26. However, 2nd lady on the stage and 3rd lady overall, Louise Staples stopped the clock in 6:34:04. We may have a battle on our hands for the ladies podium?
Ultimately, today was all about blue skies, white clouds and the stunning highlands, even Marcus Scotney stopped to grab some photos on his phone! Today was a special day and one that all the runners will not forget.
Roll on day 5 which once again is a (relative) shorter day of 27-miles and 1400m+ to Inverlael.
A ‘runnable’ day played into Marcus Scotney’s hands and pulling of a three-in-three stage win he once again consolidated his overall lead by another 20+ minutes for convincing lead overall. For the ladies, Laura Watson today took a stage victory by just over 1-minute from overall ladies race leader, Ita Manuela Mariotto.
At 68km long, it was a long and tough day, considerably coming on the back of a tough day 2. Although considered a course that would allow more running, the 2400m of ascent added to the difficulty. Unfortunately, the day didn’t start well for a couple of runners, Darren Grigas and Peter Fairhurst who made a huge navigational error and went completely off course and causing a minor concern from the safety team – a message was sent to the runners informing them that they were off course and to take evasive action. Unfortunately they missed the cut-off time at CP1 and therefore were withdrawn from the race in a competitive nature. It was a huge blow for both runners, particularly Peter who was in a top-position.
At the time of writing (21:30) just 49 runners had completed the day 3 course with 13 confirmed additional confirmed dnf and the remaining 32 fighting the cut-off times for a finish.
Departing Kinloch Hourn between 0700-0900, most runners maximised the additional time and left as close to 0700 as possible in an attempt to make Acanshellach before 2300 hours.
The sun was out, the skies were blue and white fluffy clouds occasionally offered some cover from the heat of the day but it was a tough day and only Scotney (7:49:09) and Mariotto (11:56:24) made the day look easy. For the remaining runners it was a day of struggle and survival. Thomas Adams (8:11:29) remained consistent running 2nd (once again) but Pavel Paloncy (10:00:58) seemed to struggle today and looked to be fighting the terrain, he finished the stage 5th over 1hr and 10min behind Scotney. Ian White (9:31:22) ran another good stage and today finished 3rd.
Ita Manuela Mariotto and Louise Staples ran a consistent day 3 and consolidated their respective overall top-3 places with11:56:24 and 12:18:38.
Stage 4 is a arguably a recovery day at 22-miles finishing in the town of Kinlochewe.
Day of the 2016 Cape Wrath Ultra lived up to expectations – beautiful and brutal!
On a course that is remote and isolated, the 95 participants battled the terrain in what was, for most of the day, dry weather, with amazing sunshine outbursts that improved throughout the day culminating in blanket sunshine.
The day 2 camp, located at Kinloch Hourn (the longest cul-de-sac in the UK) made for an amazing location nestled amongst the mountains at the end of Loch Beag.
At the time of writing, it’s 15-hours since the first runner departed camp 1 and 3 runners are still on course with approximately 3km to go, so they will hopefully make the 11pm cut-of time.
Only one runner has withdrawn from the race so far, impressive considering the tough conditions of day 2.
Marcus Scotney lead the day again finishing the 57km (1800m+) in 6:22:49. Thomas Adams and Pavel Paloncy repeated their day 2 performances finishing 2nd and 3rd, however, both lost time to Scotney finishing in 6:38:50 and 7:27:00.
In the ladies race, Ita Emanuela Marzotto once again had a good day finishing in 9:34:48. Laura Watson finished 2nd in 9:45:59 and Louise Staples placed 3rd in 9:59:13.
Post race, general consensus amongst the runners was amazement at the course, some were heard saying, I thought I knew Scotland – I obviously didn’t.
Tomorrow’s stage offers easier terrain underfoot but a longer distance of 68km with 2400m+ which will be a real challenger for many of the competitors. It will be imperative to start at the 0700 slot.
Travelling to the start – click on an image to view in a gallery
Race Day 1
Day 1 of the Cape Wrath Ultra got underway today with an impressive start on the shores opposite Fort William with the impressive Ben Nevis in the background.
The sounds of a piper welcomed the 95 runners to the shore and at 1015 they were released onto a relatively simple day 1 of the 8-day 400km journey.
The weather moved in and out all day, at times glorious and sunny and then grey, dark and wet. Temperatures were relatively mild though, however, the ground soon became saturated and boggy.
It was a fast day of the front runners, Marcus Scotney and Thomas Adams lead the day and were separated by just 1-second on the line, 2:46:08 and 2:46:09 respectively.
Pavel Paloncy, a pre-race favourite made a slight navigation error but finished 3rd almost 10-minutes back in 2:56:53.
ItaEmanuela Marzotto was the first lady in 3:57:48 and this was more impressive after her recent finish at Marathon des Sables.
Louise Watson and Laura Watson finished 2nd and 3rd ladies 4:02:53 and 4:12:48.
All 95 runners completed day-1, the last runner arriving in 7:03:16.
Day 2 has a rolling start between 0700-0900 and the day has been described as tough and challenging 57km by race director, Gary Tompsett.
The Cape Wrath Ultra™ brought to you by Ourea Events, the team who revived the Dragon’s Back Race are in the countdown days to a once in a lifetime multi-day journey that will test mind and body over 8-days weaving a 400km journey through the Highlands of Scotland.
Starting at Fort William on May 22nd, the race will take runners on an incredible journey in a magnificent and remote part of the world that will culminate in the most northwesterly point of the British Isles, Cape Wrath on May 29th.
Stunning scenery, remote wilderness, beautiful lochs, glens, towering mountains and the crashing ocean, the Cape Wrath Ultra™ is arguably one of the most stunning multi-day journeys in the world.
A supported expedition, equipment for the competitor’s will be transported day-by-day, tented accommodation and meals will be provided.
In a nutshell, 400km (250-miles) over and through the Scottish Highlands will be the ultimate test for the runners as they navigate via map and compass (GPS are allowed with GPX routes provided by Ourea Events) over 8-days over multiple distances with a variety of terrain and elevation gain.
Today, 95 runners arrived in Fort William to register, collect numbers and leave drop bags in preparation of the race to start tomorrow, Sunday 22nd May at 1000 hours.
Over the coming days, you will be able to follow these 95 runners via live tracking as they weave their way north. We thought it only appropriate that you can put a face to the name. Here are the 95!
Let’s be clear here, conditions on the trail, fell or mountain don’t necessarily need to be bad for Hypothermia to set in. Running and moving fast creates heat and a runner can generate a great deal of heat in a short space of time. Imagine a scenario where you are moving fast and you have been travelling this way for say 2-hours. You are warm, no hot! You are a little fatigued, hungry, a little dehydrated and then disaster happens… you fall and twist an ankle.
Suddenly moving becomes impossible and you start to cool.
I probably don’t need to elaborate too much here as it’s very easy to see and visualize the scenario that follows.
IAN CORLESS 