Arc of Attrition

Winter coastal ultra

The start was very intense and exciting - drumming / flares / smoke.

I'd run most of the first half on the Classic Quarter ultra on a very hot day, and running it in January felt much easier.

The food in aid stations was great - baked beans on toast was an absolute winner!

Not long before the end I ran past a cove full of seals sunbathing and frolicking in the sea. Magical.

There's a tough rocky stretch after Lands End that you're tackling at night (though it's January so quite a lot of it is at night!).

I'd run a bit low on water and felt like I was moving really slowly.

Anyone looking for a long undulating run who's not scared off at the thought of 14 hours of darkness.

I was lucky with the weather, make sure you're prepared for the worst whilst hoping for the best.

The organisers recommend having a support person in addition to the aid stations. There are 'arc angels' out on the course, but having your own support with food, water, coke makes a huge difference.