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About my registration...
Yes - you can transfer from one competition (i.e. race distance) to another providing there are still registrations available. We cannot transfer you into a competition which is full.
All competitions at Arc of Attrition 2025 are now full and you are unable to change your race distance.
If you can no longer attend Arc of Attrition, you need to login to your 'MyUTMB account'. Select the Arc of Attrition event and 'Edit Registration'. Then select 'Cancel my registration'.
If you purchased cancellation insurance when you purchased your registration, you may be able to apply for a refund depending on the reason for your cancellation. We recommend you read the 'General Terms & Conditions' before cancelling your registration.
If you wish to apply for a refund you will need to complete the online claims form. Please note: cancellation insurance and the claims process are not managed by UTMB or Arc of Attrition.
If you did not purchase cancellation insurance, you will not be entitled to a refund regardless of the circumstances.
We do not offer deferrals to future editions of Arc of Attrition under any circumstances except for the conditions explained in our UTMB Pregnancy Policy.
If you can no longer attend Arc of Attrition you may wish to cancel your registration (see the FAQ ‘How do I cancel my registration?’). If you purchased cancellation insurance you may be able to apply for a refund depending on the reason for your cancellation.
Yes - we reserve a number of registrations within each competition (i.e. race distance) for elite athletes. These registrations are allocated based on the elite athlete's UTMB Index for the specific competition category (i.e. 100M, 100K, 50K).
Elite athletes can, via their MyUTMB account, register directly for a free entry providing they have the relevant competition category index for that race. Please go to your MyUTMB account, select the race and if eligible this option will be available to you.
If the competition is full and you believe you meet the UTMB Index for a free entry, use the Contact Us form and select 'Other'. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.
If you do not have the minimum UTMB Index required for your chosen competition, we cannot consider you for a free registration.
Your registration for Arc of Attrition by UTMB is personal to you and non-transferable. We do not allow the transfer of a registration to another person.
If you can no longer attend Arc of Attrition you may wish to cancel your registration (see the FAQ ‘How do I cancel my registration?’). If you purchased cancellation insurance you may be able to apply for a refund depending on the reason for your cancellation.
Yes - we strongly recommend you have previous experience of long-distance trail running before registering for Arc of Attrition. The level of experience you will need depends on the competition (race distance) you have entered. You are expected to arrive at the start line well-trained, both physically and mentally, and confident in your ability to safely complete the route within the time limit.
There is currently no compulsory minimum UTMB Index required to participant in Arc of Attrition. However, for the Arc 100 we recommend participants have a UTMB Index of at least 380 in the 50K, 100K or 100M race category.
Participating in endurance events, such as ultra-running, comes with an increase in risk to injury and illness. You must make a judgement on your suitability to take part and that you have done sufficient training to ensure you are fit enough to cope with the demands of the event.
You may hear people talking about having a UTMB Index and wanting to earn Running Stones. These are both part of the UTMB Sport System.
The UTMB Index is a numerical value used to measure the performance level of each runner based on different race categories (20K, 50K, 100K, 100M). You acquire an index every time you complete a qualifying UTMB Index Race of which there are several thousand globally.
Running Stones can only be obtained by completing a race at a UTMB World Series race like Arc of Attrition. The other UTMB World Series event in the UK is Ultra-Trail Snowdonia. You need to have Running Stones to pre-register and enter the ballot for the UTMB World Series Finals held in Chamonix, France, each August.
Your MyUTMB account will have details of your UTMB Index. This will include your overall index and your index by race category.
You can also check your index on the UTMB World Series website by selecting Runner Search.
No, you are not required to provide a medical certificate to complete your registration for Arc of Attrition.
We know other UTMB World Series events, particularly those in mainland Europe, require a medical certificate. This is not the case in the UK. You are expected to arrive at the start line well-trained, both physically and mentally, and confident in your ability to safely complete the route within the time limit.
Participating in endurance events, such as ultra-running, comes with an increase in risk to injury and illness. You must make a judgement on your suitability to take part and that you have done sufficient training to ensure you are fit enough to cope with the demands of the event.
If you have any existing medical conditions, you are recommended to seek advice from a medical practitioner before participating in the event.
We recommend participants seek out their own sports accident insurance to provide cover for any personal accidents or personal liabilities while participating in ultra-running.
Before the event...
Yes - you are responsible for organising your own accommodation. Arc of Attrition does not provide accommodation for participants before or after the event.
We recommend you search for, and book, your accommodation well in advance of the event. Accommodation in Porthtowan and the surrounding area can get booked very quickly.
UTMB have partnered with Nirvana as our official Travel and Accommodation Provider. Nirvana are able to offer official race accommodation. For more information visit the Nirvana booking site.
Alternatively, you could try searching online with websites such as Google or Booking.com. There are many bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hostels, campsites and glamping sites across Cornwall. Where possible, please book your accommodation with a local business to support the local economy.
The Arc of Attrition by UTMB Runners group on Facebook is also a good place to connect with other participants who might be looking to share accommodation.
GPX routes for each race distance are available on the respective race's webpage by going to 'Map' and clicking 'Export as GPX'.
For each of our competition routes (Arc 100, Arc 50 and Arc 25) these all use the South West Coast Path and are mostly on public rights of way and areas accessible to the public. We advise you take an Ordnance Survey map, or similar, with you to help you navigate. Please ensure you do not deviate into any private land while training.
At all times you must ensure you respect The Countryside Code. If you travel to the route by car, please ensure you park sensibly and use a designated car parking area.
If you have time after your training, why not call in at a local cafe or restaurant for a bite to eat or drink.
Yes - transport to the start of each competition (Arc 100, Arc 50 and Arc 25) is arranged for participants. This service is included in your registration fee.
Buses depart from the main event area at the Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Porthtowan and travel to each race start location. Buses will depart approximately 3-4 hours before the race start, so please ensure you are at the Mount Pleasant Eco Park in good time. We recommend you plan your travel to the Mount Pleasant Eco Park as soon as possible, and do not leave it until the last minute.
We recommend you read the Event Schedule for basic timings on the bus transfers. Exact timings will be communicated to participants in the Runner's Guide published before the event.
Due to the logistics of the event, and to ensure we are considerate of the local communities where the races start, we cannot allow participants to make their own way to the race start. All participants must use the bus transport provided by the event organisers. There is strictly no spectator parking at the race start locations.
The event organisers do not arrange transport from the finish, so you will need to make your own transport arrangements after completing your race.
Yes - all competitions have a mandatory kit list (including both mandatory clothing and equipment) which each participant must have with them during the race at all times.
You will need to show your mandatory kit at the event registration before you collect your race bib. If you do not have the mandatory kit, you will not receive your race bib and will not be allowed to compete.
Mandatory kit is required for your safety while on the course. Even if you do not think you will require it, you ** must have** the mandatory kit with you at all times when participating. If you do not have an item of mandatory kit while on the course you will be disqualified.
Further information is detailed within Mandatory Kit and within the Race Regulations.
The Arc of Attrition by UTMB Runners group on Facebook is also a good place to connect with other participants to discuss clothing, equipment, recommended brands and products.
Please read the Event Schedule for the latest timings.
Yes - Näak are now shipping to the UK!
Visit the Näak Energy website, browse the products, and place your order.
Yes - we would love for you to volunteer as part of our Arc Angel team at Arc of Attrition!
Perhaps you are a family member or friend of a participant, and want to offer your support while they compete? This is the perfect way to support your runner and everyone at the event.
We need an Event Team of 300 volunteers to help us deliver the event in January 2025. We have a variety of roles available. No previous experience is necessary.
We require volunteers on Thursday 23, Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2025.
For further information, including how to apply and the benefits available, please visit Become a Volunteer webpage.
To enter the lottery for the UTMB World Series Finals in 2025 you will need to have collected at least one Running Stone prior to January 2025. If you have Running Stone(s) collected from another UTMB World Series event (e.g. Ultra-Trail Snowdonia) in either 2023 or 2024 - these can be used in the lottery.
Arc of Attrition joins the UTMB World Series for January 2025. Previous editions of Arc of Attrition were not eligible for awarding Running Stones to finishers.
If you register for, and successfully complete, Arc of Attrition 2025 you will be able to use these Running Stone(s) in the lottery for the UTMB World Series Finals in 2026.
During the event...
The official event car park will be located at the main event area outside the Mount Pleasant Eco Park near Porthtowan. This is where participants must have their mandatory kit checked and collect their race bib, and also home to the finish line and Ultra-Trail Village.
Buses to each of the race starts depart from the Mount Pleasant Eco Park, so you will need to arrive here before your race.
More information on car parking during the event will be released later this year.
You can find details of the overall cut-off times, and cut-off times at particular check points on the course, on the respective race's webpage by going to 'Time Charts'.
We understand there can be apprehension and concern about cut-off times, especially when taking on a new running challenge such as Arc of Attrition.
Cut-off times are ultimately required to ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff. Cut-off times are used to ensure each race progresses at the necessary speed to prevent our participants, volunteers and staff from being on the course for too long. You must reach certain points on the course by a specific time in order to be allowed to continue for safety reasons.
We have volunteers at numerous aid stations, and remote locations, throughout Friday and Saturday. We therefore need to ensure the event is completed within a specific time limit to help with both logistics, volunteer welfare and our safety coverage.
The cut-off times allow sufficient time for someone travelling (either by running or walking) at an average pace to reach each aid station and the finish within the time allowance. These should be factored into your training so you are aware of your ability to maintain this pace for the distances required.
Arc 100
Maximum allowed race time: 36 hours
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks and stops etc.) of 4.5km per hour.
Arc 50
Maximum allowed race time: 15.5 hours
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks and stops etc.) of 5.2km per hour.
Arc 25
Maximum allowed race time: 9 hours
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks and stops etc.) of 4.5km per hour.
The routes on Arc of Attrition can be very exposed. The weather conditions and terrain can be extremely varied. The nature of the event is to be testing. Being able to travel along the route at an average minimum speed is also part of the challenge.
If you are unable to keep to a minimum average pace, and do not leave an aid station before the allocated cut-off time, you will be withdrawn from the competition. Our cut-off times are strictly enforced.
Further information on cut-off times is detailed within the Race Regulations.
Maybe - it depends which competition you are registered in.
Participants in the Arc 100 and Arc 50 competitions are allowed to have a drop-bag during the race. Your drop-bag (a 30 litre drawstring bag provided by UTMB when you collect your race bib) must be deposited before the start of the race. Only UTMB World Series drop-bags are permitted to be used for this purpose.
Your UTMB drop-bag will be transported to the respective half-way aid station at Land's End for Arc 100 and St Ives for Arc 50. Drop-bags will be returned to near the finish once the aid station has closed. Please note: you may arrive at the finish before your drop-bag is available for collection. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Drop-bags must be collected within 2 hours of the course close. Drop-bags not collected will have their contents donated to charity or a clothing bank (whichever is most appropriate). The event organiser cannot be responsible for any items left once the event has finished.
There is no drop-bag service available in the Arc 25 competition.
Further information on drop-bags is detailed within the Race Regulations.
Maybe - it depends which competition you are registered in.
Participants in the Arc 100 competition are allowed to have a personal assistant (informally known as 'support crew') to assist them during the race. A participant must only receive support from their personal assistant at clearly defined locations on the course. These are areas within specific aid stations and will be identified by signage.
Aid stations on the Arc 100 where personal assistance is allowed are: AS1 Lizard (17km), AS5 Land's End (89km), AS8 Godrevy (144km) and AS9 Portreath (155km).
Participants in the Arc 100 will receive one 'Supporter' wristband with their race bib at the event. Their personal assistant must be wearing the 'Supporter' wristband to gain access to the specific aid stations and provide support. Only one person can give assistance per participant, without specific equipment other than a bag with a maximum volume of 30 litres.
Assistance given by a team of professionals, physiotherapists, a medic, or similar, is strictly forbidden. Support or personal assistance is not allowed outside of the clearly defined locations. Anyone found to be receiving personal assistance outside of the designated aid stations will be penalised and may be disqualified.
Personal assistance ('support crew') is not allowed in the Arc 50 and Arc 25 competitions.
Further information on support crew including the penalties, is detailed within the Race Regulations.
Arc of Attrition supply basic food and drink at aid stations along the course. Participants must make sure, when leaving an aid station, they have the necessary quantity of food and drink to keep them going until the next aid station. Participants should not exclusively rely on aid station food and drink as a substitute for a well-prepared nutrition plan to fuel your race requirements.
If you wish to provide your own specific nutrition, this is allowed and encouraged. Arc of Attrition are not able to cater for all tastes and preferences - we provide what we feel is the most suitable nutrition for the majority of participants. Please note; all your own food and drink must be contained within your race running vest or pack, or within your drop-bag (Arc 100 and Arc 50 only).
There are three types of aid station used during the event, detailed below. These are also listed on each of the race webpages.
The food and drink items listed below are for example only. Exact food and drink items may differ at the event.
Drinks only
Water, Coca-Cola, orange squash, Näak Ultra Energy products.
To enjoy these drinks you will need to bring your own ('BYO') personal reusable cup as detailed in the mandatory kit list in the Race Regulations.
Food and drinks
In addition to the above; hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), biscuits, crisps, peanuts, bread rolls (including gluten free), cheese, pickle, peanut butter, fruit jam. Selected aid stations will also have hot salted bouillon (broth).
Hot food
In addition to the above; on the Arc 100 and Arc 50 some aid stations will provide a hot food option (e.g. vegetable chilli and rice).
To enjoy the hot food options you will need to bring your own bowl and cutlery. These items will not be provided by the event organiser.
Your wave start time will be communicated to you before the event. This will be sent to you by e-mail in early January.
We use wave starts for our competitions to improve the participant experience for all abilities. The benefits of wave starts are reduced congestion on the earlier sections of the trails, and allowing participants to better establish their running pace amongst other participants.
Your wave start time will be determined by your UTMB Index for the specific competition you have entered. Participants with a higher UTMB Index will be allocated to the earlier start wave. Participants without a UTMB Index will generally be allocated in the later start wave. If you do not have a UTMB Index, or want to improve your UTMB Index, you can enter one of the many UTMB Index Races all across the world (search for your country).
There may be several wave starts depending on the logistics and capacity of each race. Wave starts are typically established 15 to 20 minutes apart. These timings may be increased or decreased at the discretion of the event organiser. Cut-off timings are based on the final wave start time.
The wave start time allocated to you is specific for your race. We cannot accept requests to move people between different wave starts.
Yes. There will be basic shower facilities near the finish line for use after your race.
