Arc 50
50 miles of stunning and challenging coastline trails
Race Category
Running Stones
3
Finals Access
Experience 50 miles of the UK's finest coastline
Arc 50 is a challenging point-to-point race from The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno to Porthtowan taking in 50 miles of stunning and dramatic South West Coast Path. By passing Land’s End it will complete an 'arc' around the extreme south west tip of Cornwall.
Arc 50 has a strict 15.5 hour time limit with additional checkpoint and safety cut-offs on route. Runners will need the ability and experience of being self-sufficient for long periods of time in potentially extreme weather conditions.
Runners will complete a point to point 50 mile course entirely along the South West 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
For a full list of the mandatory kit (clothing and equipment) which you must have with you at all times during your race, please visit the mandatory kit webpage.
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 hot food options, hot drinks and a selection of other snacks and ultra-fare, including cold drinks, water, cola and Näak Energy products.
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.
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.
