Cape Wrath Challenge has run its course – Northern Times

After losing its official status as a marathon – because of the number of potholes on the route – the Cape Wrath Challenge is to finish after 20 years.

It is not closing due to a lack of popularity, in fact it is over subscribed every year, attracting around 200 runners and their families every May.

But organisers Durness Active Health say a lack of volunteers has caused it to decide that 2021 will be the last challenge. It will also mark 20 years of the event, which is a week-long series of runs culminating in the famous Cape Wrath Marathon.

Runners from around the globe have made their way to Sutherland to enter the gruelling event.

However this year the marathon lost its official road status.

In March organisers were told by Scottish Athletics that it can no longer call itself a “road marathon” after being ruled out because of potholes. They are so deep and numerous on the 11-mile long road up to the Cape Wrath Lighthouse that the governing body says there is not one continuous road surface.

In fact runners would have to weave around the pot holes so much, one said they would end up running more than the official 26-mile, 385 yard distance.

Durness Active Health recently invited local residents to an “extraordinary meeting” to discuss the future.

A spokesman said: “The challenge was originally expected to have a 10-year lifespan and while it has gone from strength to strength over the years, the responsibility of organising it has fallen on an ever decreasing group of volunteers.

“It is with great regret and much sadness that we, the trustees of Durness Active Health have voted unanimously that the final Cape Wrath Challenge will be held in May 2021 – the event’s 20th anniversary.

“​We know that this will be disappointing news for many of our regular and loyal runners but we must stress that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“We would like to thank everybody who has attended and helped over the years, and we hope that you will support us in making sure that our final two events of 2020 and 2021 are as successful and enjoyable as ever.”

He added: “There is a tremendous amount of goodwill in the villagefor the event in terms of marshalling, catering etc and we are so grateful to those people for their support over the years.”

Runners took to social media to show their support and sadness.

Rhona Penman wrote: “Such very sad news but we can fully appreciate and support the reasons for the decision.

“Such fond memories of a fabulous week, memories and friendships which will last a lifetime.

“Thank you to everyone involved in Cape Wrath Challenge and to the local community for making this such an iconic event in the running calendar.”

Judy Mills added: “All I can say is a huge thank you for so many years of the Cape Wrath Challenge and especially to the people of Durness for allowing us into your homes and into your lives.

“We have made so many friends through this amazing event.

“We were there at the start and we will be there at the end.”