Runner Ian Loader was head over heels at the sight of the finsh at Cape Wrath. Photo: No Limits Photography

Runner Ian Stewart has won the Cape Wrath Ultra, after leading the race from start to finish.

The Yorkshireman completed the 400km route through some of Scotland’s most remote landscapes in 50hrs 39mins 44secs.

Sally Fawcett and Lisa Watson finished in second and third places respectively, in 52hrs 56mins 23secs and 53hrs 25mins 10secs respectively. The friends, who are both members of Dark Peak Fell Runners, also held these positions for the whole challenge from Fort William to the most north-westerly point in mainland Britain.

Stewart’s victory was his second attempt at the challenge, having finished the race in 2018 feeling he hadn’t done himself justice.

Race winner Ian Stewart at the finish. Photo: No Limits Photography

He said: “I am really pleased. It was never about racing anyone else but about just having a good eight days of running.

“That was my best eight days of running ever. Last time, I was broken at the Torridon stage of the race and had to limp to the end. I am very pleased with how the race has gone this time.”

The race is based, with modifications, on the Cape Wrath Trail from Fort William which normally takes backpacking walkers 20 days to complete.

Sally Fawcett was fastest woman and second overall. Photo: No Limits Photography

Of the 86 runners who started the event, 52 completed the race.

Race director Shane Ohly said: “I think it has been special because we are geared up logistically for 300-plus runners and while the numbers have been reduced due to the pandemic – especially international participants – we can’t really reduce the support when we have a vision of what we want the race to be.

“As a result, participants this year have had a very special experience and they have been incredibly well supported from the operational side. I also think that the coming-out-of-Covid spirit has really shone through and people have needed that time in the hills and the chance to connect back with the outdoors and the ultrarunning community. It has been tangible.”

The top finishers were:

1 Ian Stewart, first male

2 Sally Fawcett, first female

3 Lisa Watson, second female

4 Ritchie Williamson (55:51), second male

5 George Winkley (55:56), third male

6 Alasdair Meldrum (57:18)

7 Mark Smith (57:29)

8 Andrew Richardson (58:01)

9 Charles Smith (58:07)

10 Sabrina Verjee (58:16), third female.