Cape Wrath Ultra 2025: Champions Crowned After Epic Scottish Journey
The Cape Wrath Ultra® 2025 unfolded from 18 May to 25 May 2025, presenting an 8-day ultra running adventure traversing approximately 400km through the challenging and stunning Scottish Highlands. Starting in Fort William, participants embarked on a journey north, culminating at the iconic Cape Wrath Lighthouse, which served as the finish line. The event featured 177 athletes from 19 countries across three race categories: the full Cape Wrath Ultra®, a shorter Explorer route, and the inaugural Cape Wrath 100. The event is organised by Ourea Events.
The Cape Wrath Ultra is a multi-day stage race with overnight camps provided by the event team, who transport participants’ gear daily. Runners must be self-sufficient while on the course each day. Camp life includes provided catering, which is plant-based, and often features afternoon soup and chips for those who arrive early enough. The event fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and community, with participants and the event team sharing in the hardship and accomplishment.
The journey commenced with a ferry ride across Loch Linnhe from Fort William to Treslaig, the official start line, on Day One. The first day covered 23 miles, finishing under the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and was notably hot. Participants experienced varying weather throughout the week, from scorching heat in the initial days to cooler temperatures, light rain showers, and high winds towards the end. These changing conditions added to the challenge.
The route tested runners with diverse and often rugged terrain. Day Two ventured into Knoydart, described as the ‘last great wilderness in Britain’, involving ascents into remote, rugged areas. Day Three, though shorter on the map than Day Six, was considered by many to be the hardest so far due to searing temperatures, steep climbs, and technical descents through the mountains and glens of Kintail. This section also passed the Falls of Glomach. Day Four from Achnashellach to Kinlochewe was known for rough and technical ground, including heather bashing, though it offered significant views of peaks like Beinn Eighe. Day Five traversed the vast, uninhabited Fisherfield Forest, known as ‘The Great Wilderness’, involving remote terrain and views of An Teallach. Day Six was the longest stage at 45 miles, leading runners through glens on wide tracks before reaching technical, pathless upland moor. Day Seven involved traversing moorlands and mountains with ‘knock-and-lochan’ topography and pathless sections. Cumulative fatigue became a significant factor on the longer days, particularly Day Six and Seven. High winds on Day Eight forced the final camp to remain at Kinlochbervie.
In the full Cape Wrath Ultra®, Marcus Scotney from Scotland was the overall winner in the men’s race, finishing in 42:55:05. Scotney held the lead consistently from Day One. This marked his second victory, having previously won in 2016 with a course record that still stands. He ran the 2025 race to celebrate turning 50. Jon Shields from England finished second in 45:05:27, holding a strong position despite some feet issues later in the race. Lewis Taylor, who led the race in 2024 before retiring, secured third place in 45:21:03.
The women’s race was won by Sarah Ingram from the UK, a doctor from Sheffield. She completed the course in 59:28:34, finishing under 60 hours. Ingram was in 3rd place on Day One but made steady progress, taking the lead on Day Five. She built on her lead in subsequent days. Despite struggling with a knee injury prior to the race, she reportedly seemed to get stronger as the event unfolded. She was described by the Event Medical Director as an “all round superhuman”. The women’s podium was completed by Margarida Bagão from Portugal (listed as UK in some results) in second place with a time of 61:23:11, and Emma McCahill from the UK in third place with a time of 62:57:15. Emma McCahill was a consistent competitor for a top spot throughout the event.
The inaugural Cape Wrath 100 event in 2025 covered the first three days of the Cape Wrath Ultra route. This approximately 100-mile (162km) challenge included 4,700m of elevation, finishing at Camp 3 in Achnashellach. Entries for the Cape Wrath 100 closed on 9 May 2025, with a total entry fee of £799. The winners of the Cape Wrath 100 were Simon Tootell for the men, and Donna Clark (who ran with Nicola Di Rollo) for the women.
Participant preparation for the event involved significant planning, including, for some, detailed spreadsheets for gear and food. Mandatory kit included an official 79-litre dry bag with a 20kg weight limit, which proved challenging for some to pack due to its tube shape. Runners also carried mandatory kit. Food planning involved calculating calorie targets (around 250 kcal per hour), dividing food into daily bags, and supplementing the provided catering. Gear choices included specific jackets, waterproof trousers, multiple pairs of socks and shoes, and a suitable running pack. Recovery in camp involved washing kit, using inflatable sleeping mats, and having changes of clothes.
The event’s interaction with other users of the Cape Wrath Trail was discussed on Reddit, noting that the race involves around 200 competitors (including the Explorer runners) who move quickly along the route. Due to logistics and safety requirements, all race variants (Ultra, Explorer, 100) generally use the same sections and camps on the same days. Therefore, hikers on the trail might encounter runners for a day or just a few hours, depending on their location and direction. Participants in the Explorer course could cover shorter distances each day while still experiencing the same camp life.
The Cape Wrath Ultra 2025 concluded with finishers reaching the lighthouse, marked by a palpable sense of accomplishment forged from shared hardship. Celebrations, including a prize ceremony, were held at the final camp in Kinlochbervie.
The event offers options for future participation in 2026, including the full Ultra, Explorer, or Cape Wrath 100, with entries opening shortly after the 2025 race concludes.
Race website: Cape Wrath Ultra
Photo courtesy: No Limits Photgraphy
See Also
Cape Wrath Ultra 2018
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