A Feat of Endurance: Marcus Taylor Finishes the Cape Wrath Ultra

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Described as one of Scotland’s finest and challenging remote long-distance races, The Cape Wrath Ultra is a near 400km route that winds through Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt, and Sutherland, crossing some of the world’s most inspirational and isolated landscapes. Starting at Fort William with a ferry trip across Loch Eil where the start line heralds the beginning of an epic 8-day adventure that culminates at the Cape Wrath Lighthouse at the most north westerly point of mainland Britain. After enjoying prolonged and unusually fine weather Marcus Taylor completed this arduous trek in 65:24:57.

Marcus Taylor at the finish line of the Cape Wrath Ukltra

Continuing the long-distance theme the weekend saw the hosting of The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra. A scenic but challenging 55km trail over varied terrain, that includes lakeside paths, woodland trails, and open fell sections the event follows the complete Ullswater Way, incorporating additional loops through Lowther and Dalemain estates. Taking place were the Bruton brothers with Jonathan having a superb race to finish on the podium in second place (5:12:09) and Simon an excellent 6th (5:29:01).

Jonathon Bruton clinches 2nd at the Ullswater Way Trail Ultra

Remaining off road one of the toughest challenges in British hill racing The Isle of Jura Fell Race took place. Understandably a classic on many a fell runner’s wish list it is a true test of hill craft, endurance and fell running technique. The 28km course with 7,776 ft of ascent is unmarked, requiring runners to navigate between checkpoints using their own skills. The route encompasses seven summits, notably the three Paps of Jura, Beinn an Òir, Beinn Shiantaidh, and Beinn a’ Chaolais, known for their steep, scree-covered slopes. Club Fell Captain Dan Gilbert was in attendance claiming a Vet40 podium position in a very closely fought finish with 1st, 2nd and 3rd crossing the line consecutively and separately by less than 2 minutes.

Horwich RMI hosted the fourth race in the Central Lanc Gran Prix series, the Coronation Trail Race. A new challenging 6 mile out and back trail race on the lesser known paths and tracks near the source and route of the River Yarrow the hosts fielded no less than 18 competitors; Matt Fawthrop (7th 39:21), John Robertson (23rd 42:45), Richard O’Reilly (33rd 43:30), Charlotte Wilkinson (39th 44:32), Chris Essex-Crosby (45th 45:08), Kevin Newall (46th 45:11), Douglas Fleming (63rd 46:35), Gary Porteous (69th 47:15), George Butler (88th 48:39), Alice Tucker (98th 49:46), Emma Bradley (115th 52:00), Isobelle Wilkinson (155th 57:05), Diane Furlong (156th 56:59), Sophie Walton (161st 57:58), Michael Salmon, (177th 59:17), David Barnes (178th 59:32), Mary White (179th 59:54) and Tony Hesketh (217th 1:13:06).

Over in Buxton Adrian Bramham took on their lumpy half marathon. The course begins at the Opera House, before heading out of town up the first climb along Axe Edge, down country lanes to take in the sights of Chrome Hill, Dowel Dale, Park House Hill before returning into Buxton, after a couple more climbs, to finish in the Pavilion Gardens. Bramham completed the course in 1:32:04 to claim 1st MV60.

At the 2nd Youth Development League Upper competition at Macclesfield due injuries, work, exams, holidays and the Inter Counties Horwich could only muster a small field 4 athlete. Under 20 Aidan McKenna came away with 2 PB’s in the 400m (55.90) and triple jump (10.79) while U17 Finlay Mann also achieved 2 PB’s in the 400m (57.1) and 800m (2.17.2). The two U17 girls Millie Green ran a 14.7 100m, in a -2.9 headwind and Tia Harris in her first event ran 800m (2.49.7) and a 5.53m shot.

And finally in this week’s parkrun round up; the Middletons were at Hynburn with Jason 30th (25:49) and Janet 103rd (34:16). Pennington Flash saw Lynn Smith and Lesley Davidson finish 162nd (38:29) and 172nd (42:09) respectively. Brendan Bolland completed Tawd Valley in 49th (28:48). Gail Maxfield ventured across to Bolton 128th (30:19). Six runners took on hilly Haigh; Richard O’Reilly handed the barcode in in 8th and just outside that elusive sub 20 in 20:15, Leo Orrell 15th (21:21), fast starting Chris Charnley 20th (21:40), Emma Bradley 48th (24:20) and Gillian Smith 235th (36:26). At the quick Widnes course Oliver Hughes was 158th with a 25:26 time. Robert Jackson was 15th (18:43) at Peel and Hayley Winder 115th (23:24) from 577 parkrunners. Storey Field was the venue for Isacc Parker’s sub 20 (46th and 19:29). Whilst roving popular with Glyn Kay is Ormskirk (347th, 36:04). Ed Swift took on the challenge at Witton (118th, 57:53) and Nicola Bygrave went across the boundary for the Carlingwark Loch park run (121st, 22:48).