TOUGH conditions caused by severe weather have been putting competitors in a 400km Highland run through their paces.

The Cape Wrath Ultra event began last Sunday and still has three days to go.

The National: ©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography

Of the 270 athletes who left from the start line on Sunday, only 120 are left, after competitors were faced with torrential rain and high winds on their route from Fort William to Cape Wrath in the furthest north-west point of Scotland.  

The race has seen runners cross fast flowing rivers and run at speed across uneven surfaces whilst fighting the forces of Scottish weather. 

The National: ©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography

Participants haven’t been given any visual indication of the course, such as signs or waymarking, and so have been left to use maps, compasses, and GPS technology to navigate their way to the finish line. 

Currently in the lead of the men's race is Graham Walton, while Laura O'Driscoll is paving the way in the women's race - despite sustaining an ankle injury just two days ago. 

The National: ©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography©Cape Wrath Ultra® | No Limits Photography

The organisers, Ourea Events, have set up a campsite every night for participants with catering and somewhere to sleep, which is then moved along with them for the next night. 

The race is due to conclude this Sunday at the North-most point in mainland UK, the Cape Wrath Lighthouse, following a final push down Sandwood Bay.