UK runners Danny Smith and Bridget Glaister were crowned winners at the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra, after completing an eight-day, 400K race through the Scottish Highlands (19-26 May). Danny was the overall winner of the race in a total time of 50 hours, 28 minutes and 18 seconds. He finished ahead of Henry Gurney (51:55:25), with Adam Watkin in third (54:24:28).

Veteran ultra-runner Bridget Glaister won the women’s race and was seventh overall in 59:49:41, ahead of second woman Elsa Morgan, who was eighth overall in 60:36:48, and Charlotte Hurst (63:23:10). Bridget and Elsa ran a closely fought race, exchanging the lead on several occasions.

The annual Cape Wrath Ultra is organised by expedition race specialist Ourea Events and attracts some of the world’s best ultra runners. On Sunday 19 May, 172 runners from 19 nations started the race just outside Fort William, which took competitors through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, including Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland.

Each day, runners had to reach checkpoints and the evening camp before cut-off times, or they were timed out of the full event. Only 57 participants completed the full Cape Wrath Ultra. Many of the athletes who were timed out stayed with the race, to tackle the shorter Cape Wrath Explorer option, and complete their journey through the Highlands.

Danny Smith ran with Henry Gurney and Adam Watkin during the final day. After his win, Danny commented: “I feel pretty high to be honest. We were chatting on the final kilometres about highs and lows. There were a few lows. Yesterday traipsing through the final bog was pretty low, but the highs have outweighed those for sure.

The 2025 Cape Wrath Ultra will take place from 18-25 May next year and entries will open on 31 May at the event website.

Image: Cape Wrath Ultra/No Limits Photography