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In the summer of 2000 a unique and remarkable event took place – the Island Race , a round Britain relay of some 4,200 miles which was to be completed in 100 days. The event was conceived and brought to successful fruition by Richard Haldane assisted by a highly experienced Technical Director - charged with the responsibility of designing the courses and staging each day of the relay. The event raised over £1 million for charity – a stunning achievement. |
| All those who took part will never forget the often breathtaking coastal scenery and the friendships that developed - as well as the impact the event often had upon local communities. None more so than on Day 93 when the Island Race reached the far north west tip of Scotland and the small community of Durness located on the white sand coast of Sutherland. This really is “the end” of Britain – when you get to the lighthouse at the end of the Cape then you are at the furthest extremity of our country; there is nothing between you and the Arctic or you and Canada | |
| It was decided that such a special area deserved an equally special stage and so, for that August day the Cape Wrath Ultra Challenge – a 27 mile run from Durness to the lighthouse at the end of the Cape- and back was designed. A truly amazing run across this genuine wilderness and totally unpopulated area …. which also includes two ferry crossings. |
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Everything was planned to the highest possible standards of provision and safety (BARR Grade I) and those invited included Steven Seaton the Editor of Runner’s World to come up and run it. Both he and colleague Andy Blackford duly completed the event and the article in the November edition of that magazine wonderfully conveys the spirit of that day. There was never any doubt about the warmth of welcome we would receive from the local community in Durness and it soon became apparent that many of the community were very anxious that such a wonderful day should be repeated and even before the evening Ceilidh had finished people were offering ideas and possible improvement – such as moving the date to late May when the days would be long, the weather at its best and midges unknown! The potential moorland runs, a route along the Kyle and the coast that takes in some unbelievable scenery amidst a tranquility can only be found in such remote areas. Whilst it may be short on people and cars the area was full with history, wildlife, and air as crystal clear as the waters. What a place on which to base a holiday break – a holiday with the opportunity to run! And so was born the concept of the Cape Wrath Challenges – note the plural for in addition to the run out to the Cape itself the plan for 2001 was to make it a multi-race event to include at least 3 or 4 other runs on different days. |
