The Cape Wrath Challenge is a unique week of running events set in Durness, the most north westerly community on mainland Britain. The area has been described as the last remaining wilderness in Britain. Runners, of all abilities, can chose to take part in some or all of the running events, with a further choice of distances on all days. There is also a programme of social events to help in the recovery process after the races!
This year 3 MRRs took part in the challenge – Andrew Price, Blair Laird and Elspeth Jenkins. Unsurprisingly all 3 opted for the longer races on all days!
Day 1 The week started off with a half marathon and a fantastic start for MRR, with Blair winning the race, Pricey 2nd and Elspeth first lady. The half took a undulating (!) point to point course along side the beautiful Loch Eriboll. However runners experienced very varied, if
typically Scottish, weather for this race. Complaints of being too hot mid race soon stopped as runners were treated to a very extreme and painful hail shower.
Day 2 This had been advertised as a hill race but was in fact the flattest race of the week being more trail than hill. Very strong winds during the night died down slightly for this race but the course was still challenging. More great results for MRR with Pricey winning, Blair 3rd and Elspeth 2nd lady.
Day 3 A challenging multi terrain 10 mile race around Durness with some outstanding scenery and views. Many of the local children were out marshalling and supporting and their encouragement was amazing. Blair won today, Pricey 2nd and Elspeth 2nd lady.
Day 4 A fun beach run with local children taking part. Luckily also best weather of the week. Runners had to predict their finishing time with prizes for those closest to their prediction and for the best fancy dress. Predictions were complicated by the fact that the organisers didn’t really know how far the race was! Despite this Elspeth managed to keep up the MRR winning streak by being 2nd closest, though the last minute sprint to beat Blair may have helped.
Day 5 Well deserved rest day
Day 6 The big one – the marathon and marathon relay. The normal route for this marathon is unique, taking runners to the most north westerly tip of the country and involving a ferry crossing in the latter stages of the race. However the weather forecast deemed this dangerous and an alternative marathon route was employed. The forecast was correct with extreme wind and exceptionally severe hail showers. The course was an out and back which unfortunately meant the runners had to push against strong head winds all the way out. Unfortunately the weather proved too much for Elspeth and she withdrew from the race.
However Pricey and Blair were made of stronger stuff! Pricey finished in an exceptional 2nd place with Blair 7th. Great running in horrendous conditions.
MRR certainly made their mark in the Cape Wrath Challenge this year, maybe even more runners will be brave (or mad) enough to take up the challenge in the future.
For information on this challenge and the races click here
To donate to Elspeths’ charity click here
Report by: Elspeth Jenkins