Mandatory Kit
WHY IS MANDATORY KIT REQUIRED?
The South West Coast Path National Trail is a stunning location for trail running. However the weather can change within hours and without any warning. The weather in January can be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous if you're not fully prepared. Conditions can include cold temperatures, heavy rain, fog, strong winds, hail and snow.
Your kit (both clothing and equipment) must be suitable to protect you from all types of adverse weather and allow you to spend 24 hours outdoors, on the race route, depending on your speed of progress. If you are involved in an incident or suffer an injury, your clothing and equipment must also allow you to remain safe until further assistance arrives. This could be for several hours.
It is essential you carry the mandatory kit required for your competition at all times. Your clothing and equipment must be suitable for all types of conditions and for the duration of your race (i.e. up to two nights outdoors on the coast path for Arc 100 mile participants). We recommend you test using your kit in different weather conditions before arriving at the event to ensure it is suitable for you.
Your mandatory kit must be with you for the whole duration of your race - from start to finish - even if you do not use it. Failure to produce an item of mandatory kit when requested by an event official will result in a penalty or disqualification, including on the start line.
Don't forget; the mandatory kit we request is an minimum list of basic items. You may add more clothing and equipment to your own list of kit if you feel this will help you while participating in the race.
Your mandatory kit (including the cold weather kit if required) will be checked before you are issued with your race bib. If you do not have an item of mandatory kit, you will not receive your race bib.
Arc 100 mandatory kit list
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather on the coast path and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 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 sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric 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 in on the coast path. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet. To keep warm while resting at aid stations or while awaiting rescue. This should be an insulated fill layer i.e. an insulated synthetic jacket or an insulated synthetic gilet. Windproof jackets/gilets with no insulation will not be suitable.
2 x warm second layer. 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 legging and socks, which 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. These 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®.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items, including jackets, trousers, over-trousers and additional layers, must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Running pack (or similar). Designed to transport mandatory clothing and equipment throughout the race.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended 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.
Reusable 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 1.5 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.5 litres of fluids (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 running 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 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars.
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage. This can serve as a bandage or strapping (minimum dimensions 100cm x 6cm).
Whistle.
Baseplate compass and the ability to use it. Digital compasses on smartphone or smartwatches do not fulfil this requirement.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
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.
Waterproof bag (dry bag or plastic bag). To keep the long-legged trousers, race leggings, or spare warm clothing dry.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Running or hiking poles and the ability to use them effectively, for your security on slippery ground. 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. Poles are not allowed in your drop bag. The use of poles is restricted in certain zones along the route, marked by specific signage, for safety or environmental reasons.
Additional spare warm hat and gloves. For use in an emergency or for extra warmth at aid stations.
Additional lightweight waterproof 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. For use in shops or transport.
Full change of clothes. Including socks and shoes which can be stored in your drop bag.
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 first layer and waterproof jacket. This could be a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft or Polartec garments).
Arc 50 mandatory kit list
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather on the coast path and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 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 sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric 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 in on the coast path. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet. To keep warm while resting at aid stations or while awaiting rescue. This should be an insulated fill layer i.e. an insulated synthetic jacket or an insulated synthetic gilet. Windproof jackets/gilets with no insulation will not be suitable.
2 x warm second layer. 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 legging and socks, which 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. These 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®.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items, including jackets, trousers, over-trousers and additional layers, must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Running pack (or similar). Designed to transport mandatory clothing and equipment throughout the race.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended 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.
Reusable 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 1.5 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.5 litres of fluids (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 running 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 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars.
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage. This can serve as a bandage or strapping (minimum dimensions 100cm x 6cm).
Whistle.
Baseplate compass and the ability to use it. Digital compasses on smartphone or smartwatches do not fulfil this requirement.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
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.
Waterproof bag (dry bag or plastic bag). To keep the long-legged trousers, race leggings, or spare warm clothing dry.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Running or hiking poles and the ability to use them effectively, for your security on slippery ground. 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. Poles are not allowed in your drop bag. The use of poles is restricted in certain zones along the route, marked by specific signage, for safety or environmental reasons.
Additional spare warm hat and gloves. For use in an emergency or for extra warmth at aid stations.
Additional lightweight waterproof 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. For use in shops or transport.
Full change of clothes. Including socks and shoes which can be stored in your drop bag.
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 first layer and waterproof jacket. This could be a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft or Polartec garments).
Arc 25 mandatory kit list
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather on the coast path and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 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 sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric 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 in on the coast path. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet. To keep warm while resting at aid stations or while awaiting rescue. This should be an insulated fill layer i.e. an insulated synthetic jacket or an insulated synthetic gilet. Windproof jackets/gilets with no insulation will not be suitable.
Warm second layer. 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 legging and socks, which 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. These 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®.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items, including jackets, trousers, over-trousers and additional layers, must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Running pack (or similar). Designed to transport mandatory clothing and equipment throughout the race.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended 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.
Reusable cup (150ml minimum). This must be suitable for consuming hot drinks or soup. Bottles or flasks with lids are not acceptable.
Capacity to carry a minimum 1.5 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.5 litres of fluids (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 running 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 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars.
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage. This can serve as a bandage or strapping (minimum dimensions 100cm x 6cm).
Whistle.
Baseplate compass and the ability to use it. Digital compasses on smartphone or smartwatches do not fulfil this requirement.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
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.
Waterproof bag (dry bag or plastic bag). To keep the long-legged trousers, race leggings, or spare warm clothing dry.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Running or hiking poles and the ability to use them effectively, for your security on slippery ground. 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. Poles are not allowed in your drop bag. The use of poles is restricted in certain zones along the route, marked by specific signage, for safety or environmental reasons.
Additional spare warm hat and gloves. For use in an emergency or for extra warmth at aid stations.
Additional lightweight waterproof 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. For use in shops or transport.
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 first layer and waterproof jacket. This could be a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft or Polartec garments).
