THE HISTORY OF ARC OF ATTRITION BY UTMB

The Arc began its life in 2015, when the race directors at Mudcrew spotted a gap in the UK race calendar for a winter, 100-mile ultra marathon. Already known for putting on hard races, this seemed the next logical step for the trail running company based in Cornwall.

That first edition saw a total of 49 runners take part. The two Race Directors, Andy and Ferg (Jane would join them the following year), knew each and every participant by name and all were from the South-West of England. Over the following years, the race grew in popularity and in 2019 a 50-mile race was added. The entries grew to around 500 on the 100-mile race but always retained a 50% DNF rate, earning the title of one of the UK's hardest races.

UTMB first approached the team in 2023 and what followed has resulted in the event you see today, an inclusion in the UTMB World Series and a total of 4 race distances going forward. Jane, Andy and Fergy are still very much involved and in some ways are the beating heart of this much loved event.

The Arc Angels: The people behind the Arc

Through the years, Arc Angels have been at the heart of the Arc of Attrition. From the aid stations to the finish line, volunteers give their time, energy and encouragement to support runners through one of the UK’s toughest winter ultras.

Whether handing out food and drinks in the early hours, helping runners through difficult moments or welcoming finishers at the end of their journey, their contribution goes far beyond the practicalities of race day. They bring the warmth, camaraderie and community spirit that have always been part of the Arc.

The Arc Angels have been part of the event’s identity since its MudCrew days, becoming one of the things runners remember long after they’ve crossed the finish line. As the Arc has grown and entered a new chapter with UTMB World Series, that spirit of looking after runners through every high and low remains central to the experience.

From the first welcome at a checkpoint to the final words of encouragement, the Arc Angels are a reminder that the Arc has always been about more than the miles. It’s about the people who make the challenge possible.

Volunteer for 2027

The Arc Angels: The people behind the Arc

The next chapter in the Arc of Attrition’s story began when UTMB World Series recognised the event’s potential and brought it into the global trail running series.

With its raw coastal terrain, unpredictable winter weather and reputation for pushing runners to their limits, the Arc had already established a strong identity within the UK ultra running community. Joining UTMB World Series offered an opportunity to build on that legacy, bringing the event to a wider international audience while retaining the character that makes it unique.

The aim was to grow the Arc without losing sight of what had made it special: a tough, uncompromising challenge shaped by the Cornish landscape and the people behind it.

The partnership was announced in 2024, with the Arc making its debut on the UTMB World Series calendar in January 2025.

MudCrew’s Jane Stephens, Andy Trudgian and Andrew Ferguson, the event’s founders remained involved, helping to protect its local roots and community spirit as it entered a new era.