Arc of Attrition 100 – Race Reflections
I don’t usually write race reports, but this year’s Arc 100 deserves one. It was the toughest I’ve ever seen. Relentless wind, rain, and thick mud made every step a battle.
I’d hoped for a better result. After coming so close to that elusive black buckle a couple of years ago, I was determined to claim it this time. The conditions were brutal, but the same for everyone—so it can be done.
My own mistakes cost me dearly. I didn’t fuel properly. I arrived at aid stations with bottles still half full after six-hour sections. I remember forcing down a flapjack—it tasted like sawdust because I was so parched.
Then came the big wipeout just before Land’s End. I smashed my knee hard. Thankfully, it wasn’t race-ending, but it easily could have been.
My shiny new poles? Rookie error—I hadn’t tested them beforehand. They broke twice, forcing me to pack them away and tackle the final 30 miles without them.
Another blunder: I filled a bladder at Pendeen, but when I tried to drink during the hardest section, it was empty. What?! That left me relying on just two bottles to reach Lelant. Untested gear strikes again.
Time didn’t matter to me anymore. The only goal was to finish. I’d heard so many had DNF’d; I just wanted to reach the finish line.
The last four miles were a real slog. My calf was screaming, and I knew what was coming: the infamous “bitches” section. No poles to help, but I pushed through and got there in the end.
It was incredibly uplifting to see so many familiar faces on the course cheering me on. Even the 50-mile runners shouted encouragement as they passed.
Six Arc 100’s started, six Arc 100’s completed. Same again next year? I’ll take some time to think about it…
A huge thank you to my incredible crew: Claire, Louis, Kevin, and Susan. You’ve supported me through all these races. The new rule changes have limited crewing, but at least the course is now fully marked.
Special thanks also to Graeme at GTR for the excellent training plan. I had my best build-up ever. You can’t plan for the weather, though…
