Arc of Attrition by UTMB 2026: Cornwall Takes Center Stage for the UTMB World Series Kick-Off
The first race of the 2026 UTMB World Series season, Arc of Attrition by UTMB, kicks off the calendar on England’s southwest coast.
Held in the heart of winter, this 11th edition (the 2nd as part of the UTMB World Series) offers four race formats — Arc100 (161 km), Arc50 (80 km), Arc25 (41 km), and Arc12 (24 km) — all traversing the South West Coast Path, an iconic trail winding along Cornwall’s cliffs, beaches, and exposed headlands. The combination of season and location creates a truly unique challenge, with often extreme conditions — wind, rain, mud, and long nights — and a terrain renowned for its demanding, exposed character.
This year, the event brings together nearly 3,000 participants, 75% of whom are British, highlighting its strong local appeal. Women make up 24% of the field across all races.
A Highly Anticipated Arc25 (50K)
The Arc25 (50K) features an exceptionally strong field this year, setting the tone for the season. Naomi Lang (UK, UTMB Index 788), the top British athlete according to the UTMB Index, will line up after a successful end to 2025, which included podium finishes at the HOKA UTMB-Mont-Blanc ETC and the Short Trail World Championships.
On the men’s side, the race promises to be wide open. Several athletes will aim to challenge or break Kristian Jones’ (UK, UTMB Index 893) course record of 2h41m set in 2025, averaging nearly 15 km/h. Notable competitors include Raoul Raus (BEL, UTMB Index 899), runner-up at the 2025 Mont-Blanc Marathon, and home favorite Robbie Simpson (UK, UTMB Index 890).
After finishing 5th at the 2025 OCC, Kristian Jones steps up this year to race the Arc50 (100 km), marking his first 100K at Arc of Attrition.
Inclusion and Environmental Commitment
The 2026 edition of Arc of Attrition by UTMB continues its active commitment to inclusion and environmental responsibility, building on initiatives started in 2025. The event collaborates with groups such as Black Trail Runners, Muslim Runners, and Into Ultra, promoting a trail running community that is more open and representative — both on the start line and in the race environment.
On the environmental front, the event partners for the first time with Trash Free Trails, implementing several initiatives:
- Runner’s Guide recommendations encouraging participants to leave a positive mark and collect any litter found on the course.
- Dedicated social media communication raising awareness of sustainable practices.
- “Sweepers” collecting litter along the course and bringing it back to the Ultra-Trail Village for post-event tracking.
- A Trash Free Trails relay team covering the entire route to ensure a clean trail throughout the race.
Local Engagement Beyond the Race
Arc of Attrition also introduces charity bibs to support two local Cornwall organizations:
- Cornwall Air Ambulance, providing vital medical interventions in a region with sometimes difficult access.
- South West Coast Path Association, dedicated to protecting, maintaining, and sustaining this iconic trail at the heart of the race.
