Ultra runners Damian Hall and Beth Pascall set an impressive record completing the notoriously tough 230-mile Cape Wrath Trail in north-west Scotland in four days, nine hours and 43 minutes.
The previous Fastest Known Time (FKT) for a self-supported run of the trail from Fort William to Cape Wrath was seven days, nine hours and 31 minutes.
Damian and Beth set out on Sunday December 9 at 07:45. (They delayed the start by a day due to high water levels that would prove potentially dangerous for some of the river crossings.)
The pair ran their incredible time in winter conditions with most of the running done in darkness. In the north of Scotland in winter, there is around six hours of light each day.
Award-winning film makers Ellie and Matt Green, of Summit Fever Media, followed the pair as they ran from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point on mainland Britain, last week.
They have produced five short films that offer a superb overview of the highs and lows of the run. See all five films in this blog.
What is the Cape Wrath Trail?
The 230-mile Cape Wrath Trail is considered to be the toughest walking trail to complete in the UK. It starts in Fort William and heads north to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point in mainland Britain.
The route is not waymarked and requires excellent navigation skills, especially through wilderness areas where there is no path.
The pair set a self-supported record run, which means they carried all their own kit and provisions but could access food and water en route, should they come across it. They were not able to plan ahead to have people deliver kit or food to them.
Who are Damian Hall and Beth Pascall?
Damian and Beth are no strangers to endurance events and feats. This summer, Damian finished fifth place at the gruelling Alpine ultra race, the Ultra Tour Mont Blanc, while Beth was the fourth lady.
They both took podium places in the same year at the UK’s challenging Spine Race. Damian was third, while Beth was fourth overall and first lady.
See Beth and Damian attempt fastest run of 230-mile Cape Wrath Trail.
Running the Cape Wrath Trail: Five films
- Permission to use the videos from Summit Fever Media.