Arc of Attrition 2025 by UTMB® - Insights from event director Hayden Arrowsmith
This is the first edition of Arc of Attrition by UTMB® in the UTMB World Series circuit. What has changed?
Welcoming Arc of Attrition into the UTMB® World Series has seen several important changes to meet our operational standards and race regulations.
For the participants, we have updated the rules on personal assistance and improved our provision of aid stations to ensure adequate support points along the routes. Previously, participants could have received assistance from friends and family at any location. For spectators, we’ve highlighted specific "spectator zones" to watch the action from and ensure we’re considerate of the sensitive communities along the course, and generate an economic boost for our host venues.
The most significant evolution has been the addition of the 50K race and welcoming more new trail runners, and some international stars, to the Arc experience! The Arc’s international profile has risen significantly in this new edition. However, the fundamentals of the event remain the same – the coastal course, the stunning scenery, the unpredictable weather, the local Cornish support – which keeps the event authentic and empowering for our local Race Directors and volunteers.
What have been the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
This year’s event was surrounded by stormy weather, with high wind warnings issued by the Met Office (UK Government weather agency) immediately before and after the races. This gave us a very narrow window in which the races could take place safely and with minimal disruption to the course. We monitored the forecast, used the advice of the experts, and followed our adverse weather plan to ensure the correct decisions were taken for a safe event. However, the high winds and rain impacted the venue, the traffic, the Ultra-Trail Village and created delays to our logistics. For the participants, it will have been a positive experience, but for the staff and volunteers it was hard work and the team responded well in the conditions.
As the Event Director, I know it was not perfect, but I’m confident we will respond with a better event next year. I’m certain this is the scenario for all UTMB World Series events; for the event to be successful and bring people together year after year, we have to be integrated into the communities and territory, and provide lasting positive benefits which enhance the region and our presence. This is the ambition of Arc of Attrition, and we hope to achieve this by contributing to the regional economy, providing additional tourism, offering excellent racing to the UK runners, and helping improve the quality of trails and environment for all users.
What are the specificities of such an event?
Arc of Attrition by UTMB® has a unique reputation of being a challenging winter ultra race – a ‘must do’ event. There are not many ultras in the UK in winter, so the Arc provides a focus for many runners looking to train and compete early in the year. Even more attractive now there are Running Stones available to finishers who have aspirations of competing at the HOKA UTMB® World Series Finals. Combined with the passionate and established volunteer team – Arc Angels – there’s an unforgettable adventure to be had along the beautiful South West Coast Path (providing you can see beyond the rain and clouds). There are no alpine mountains, yet the undulating terrain and hidden coves provide plenty of ups and downs to test the best elite athletes.
Do you have an anecdote to share?
Having been at the Arc of Attrition in 2024 to see the event before our acquisition, and whether it would be an innovative addition to the UTMB® World Series, it’s incredible to think what has happened in 9 months.
My team behind the scenes have worked incredibly hard to grow the event and ensure the experience remains inclusive and emotive for everyone involved – I’m very proud of what we have achieved in a short period of time. We’ve seen a huge appetite from UK and European runners to join us in Cornwall – and we expect this to continue. With the addition of the 50K race in 2025 and a new 20K race in 2026, there is a distance for everyone. We are excited about how the event can be a positive legacy for the Cornwall communities and economy, and show the best of the region!
Also, our Arc prizes were made from recycled plastic cleaned from the local beaches. The plastic was collected, shredded and moulded into the unique trophies for our winners. A very local and sustainable prize!
Follow Arc of Attrition by UTMB®
- Website: https://arcofattrition.utmb.world/fr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcofattritionbyutmb/
