Arc 50

Runners will complete a point to point 50 mile course entirely along the Cornwall Coast Path, part of England's longest marked footpath and a National Trail. The Arc 50 race starts at the spectacular open air Minack Theatre, Porthcurno and finishes at Porthtowan.

Particular care needs to be taken at the following points to ensure you follow the official coast path.

• Cape Cornwall
• Botallack
• Zennor Head
• Hayle
• Mexico Towans
• Dunes of Doom
• Godrevy Head

There are three sections where minor route deviations are allowed from the official coast path. These are:

• Headland at Cape Cornwall
• Headland around St Ives Island
• Portreath

The Cornwall Coast Path is a stunning location for trail-running.

However, the weather can change within hours and without any warning, especially during January when Arc of Attrition by UTMB takes place. Coastal conditions can be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous if you are not fully prepared. If you are involved in an incident and need to remain on the course while you await help, your clothing and equipment must allow you to remain warm and safe for several hours.

We strongly recommend you test your kit while training in different weather conditions before arriving at the event to ensure your clothing and equipment is suitable.

Your mandatory equipment (including the cold weather kit if required) will be checked before you are issued with your race bib.

All runners must wear or carry the mandatory equipment at all times during the race. Your mandatory equipment must be with you for the whole duration of your race even if you do not use it. Failure to produce an item of mandatory equipment when requested by an event official will result in a penalty or disqualification.

BASIC MANDATORY KIT

• Suitable trail-running footwear Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
• Waterproof jacket with hood This must withstand bad weather on the coastal paths in winter and be made of a waterproof (10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (RET recommended inferior to 13) membrane. The jacket must be fitted with an integrated hood, or one which is attached to the jacket by the original system designed purposely by the manufacturer. The seams must be heat-sealed or fully taped. The jacket must not have any sections which are not waterproof. Air vents designed and fitted by the manufacturer (i.e. under-arm) are permitted, since they do not damage in any obvious way the impermeability. It is the runner's responsibility to judge, with these criteria, if their jacket meets the mandatory kit requirement and is suitable for bad weather along the coast. However, during an inspection, the judgement is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
• 2 x warm second layer (one can be worn) A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 180g (men's size medium) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved base layer of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket, and vice-versa
• Long-legged trousers or race leggings OR the combination of leggings and socks, which must cover the legs completely (these can be carried in the running pack in case their use is necessary).
• Waterproof over-trousers The seams must be sealed or fully taped. They do not replace the long-legged trousers or race leggings.
• 2 x pairs of warm and waterproof gloves A combination of separate warm gloves (or mittens) and waterproof outer gloves is acceptable.
• Warm beanie hat
• Cap, bandana or Buff®
• Running pack (or similar) Designed to transport mandatory equipment and clothing throughout the race.
• Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned off) The runner must be reachable at any time before, during and after the race. International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in the UK. LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended that this is downloaded before arriving at the event. The event's emergency contact number (available in the Runner's Guide) must be saved in your phone contacts. Do not mask your number. Ensure you start your race with a fully charged battery. An additional, external battery is highly recommended.
• Personal reusuable cup (150ml minimum) This must be suitable for consuming hot drinks or soup. Bottles or flasks with lids are not acceptable.
• Reusable plate or bowl and cutlery Eating utensils will not be provided at aid stations.
• Capacity to carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of fluid At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.5 litres of fluid (water, energy drink etc.) depending on the section to be covered or the weather conditions.
• 2 x fully functioning head or hand torch Each torch must have a spare, separate cell or set of batteries. Power banks are permitted as a spare battery. However each torch must have their own powerbank or set of batteries. At least one torch must have a minimum 200 lumens brightness.
• Red tail light (to be switched on and worn on back of pack at all times) Any red tail lights attached to headtorches do not fulfil this requirement.
• Survival bag or emergency bivvy bag This must have minimum dimensions of 2.0m x 0.9m. It is recommended this is a thermal bag which retains body heat. A survival blanket or foil blanket is not acceptable.
• Emergency food reserve Recommendation is a minimum of 800 kcals (2 x gels and 2 x energy bars)
• Whistle
• Self-adhesive elasticated bandage Minimum dimensions (100cm x 6cm).
• Whistle
• Compass And the ability to use it.
• Personal Identification Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.

All clothing items must fit the runner in terms of size. Items must not be altered in any way after leaving the factory.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The following items are not mandatory. However they are strongly recommended to be carried in your running pack.

• Spare warm clothing Useful in the case of cold or wet weather or in the case of injury.
• Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet To keep warm while resting at aid stations.
• Personal first aid kit Including a minimum of blister plasters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
• Running or Hiking Poles and the ability to use them effectively.
• Additional warm hats and gloves
• Anti-chafing cream or Vaseline
• GPS watch and knowledge of how to use it effectively.
• Safety scissors For cutting elasticated bandage.
• Small sewing kit For minor repairs to clothing or equipment in emergencies.
• £40 cash
• Full change of clothes Including socks and shoes which can be stored in your drop bag.

On certain sections of the course, the use of poles may be prohibited for safety or environmental reasons.. In such cases, it will be indicated by specific signs along the route.

If you choose to take poles they must be carried for the duration of the race. It is forbidden to start without poles and obtain them during the race. Equally, you cannot start with poles and then put them into your drop bag. Poles are not allowed in your drop bags.

Music: listening to music using earphones, is tolerated, so long as it is safe to do so. All earphones MUST be removed when crossing any roads, as well as on approach to, and while at, aid stations and when in conversation with staff and volunteers.

COLD WEATHER KIT (EXTRA ITEMS)

The following items are only mandatory if the cold weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.

• Protective clear lens eyewear. It is possible to use the same glasses as sunglasses if they are glasses with photochromic lenses.
• Third warm layer. An intermediary layer between the second layer and waterproof jacket. It is recommended this is a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft or Polartec garments).

Aid stations will be available at strategic locations along the course. These provide basic food and drink options to runners, warm shelter and toilet facilities.

Larger aid stations will be well stocked with at least three hot food options, hot drinks and a selection of other snacks and ultra-fare, including cold drinks, water and cola.

There are toilet facilities at all locations (including female only toilets). All larger aid stations are located in existing buildings, are warm, and will have seating and rest areas.

Larger aid stations are located in residential areas and we would ask participants to respect our local neighbours and keep all noise to a minimum. Running poles should not be used in residential areas at night.

In addition, Arc of Attrition by UTMB will have several mobile support crews (Arc Angels) shadowing front, mid and rear runners for the duration of the event. Arc Angels will be found at suitable access points between the aid stations. Each crew will have emergency water, cola, gels and nutrition.

With larger aid stations approximately 20 miles apart, runners will need the ability to be self-sufficient for long periods of time.

There is no personal assistance ('support crew') allowed during the Arc 50 competition. Therefore, only participants will be allowed access to aid stations

The Arc of Attrition by UTMB is a semi-autonomous / self-sufficient event with aid stations and medical cover at strategic locations on the course.

There will be no personal assistance (also known as 'support crew') allowed during the Arc 50 competition. No personal assistance is allowed at any point along the route or during the race.

However, due to the extent of the course, the likelihood of fatigue and the time of year, we strongly advise you to have someone to meet you at the finish who can drive you home after the event.

Although it follows an existing way-marked route, and there will be some course waymarking, we would recommend this race is suitable only for runners with previous ultra distance experience.

The route follows the undulating cliff path and cliff edges, and the terrain can be difficult and arduous in places.

Depending on your pace, the later part of this race will be undertaken in the dark at night. You should ideally have had some experience of night time running prior to the event.