Some big news in the trail running world – especially in the UK – is that the popular Arc of Attrition will join the UTMB World Series calendar for 2025.
The Cornish event, organised by MudCrew, next takes place on January 24-26 and is now known as Arc of Attrition by UTMB.
MudCrew join forces with UTMB
The press release announcing the development said: “The event will remain close to its Cornish roots and spirit and will again be set in the stunning landscapes of Cornwall, South West England.
“The community of trail runners in Cornwall and the South West is strong and hugely passionate, and with the partnership with UTMB World Series, the event will continue to embody the spirit, community and brand that has become the MudCrew Arc of Attrition.
“Founded by the visionary MudCrew trio Jane Stephens, Andy Trudgian, and Andrew Ferguson, known as Andy, Jane, and Fergy, Arc of Attrition by UTMB has become a legendary fixture in the UK winter ultra-trail running calendar.
“MudCrew, a company renowned for its meticulously planned and well-executed events which have brought to Arc of Attrition by UTMB its success, will continue to organise and run the race to ensure the inaugural edition’s success.
“Their decision to join forces with the UTMB World Series originates from a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional and challenging running experience with strong identity and history.”
New distance added for 2025
The Arc of Attrition has grown in stature and popularity in recent years, offering a unique challenge that starts and finishes in the iconic locations of Coverack and Porthtowan, respectively, with additional starts at Porthcurno and St Ives.
Adding to the existing Arc of Attrition 100 mile (100M) and Arc 50 mile (100K) races, a new 25 mile (50K) race will be introduced in 2025.
The three courses follow parts of the Cornish Coast Path, the longest of England’s National Trails, around the picturesque arc of Cornwall in Southwest England.
The terrain is technical with 4,200 metres elevation gain on the 100M course and the weather in the UK in January, often wet, muddy and wild, certainly adds to the event’s challenge.
‘Respecting its identity’
The MudCrew’s trio behind the race, Jane, Andy, and Fergy, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the team at UTMB World Series. The local running community is really important to us and the Arc Angels [the race’s volunteers] are key to the success of the event.
“We will endeavour to maintain the Cornish culture and deep community spirit that the Arc of Attrition is known for with our continued involvement during these exciting times.”
Hayden Arrowsmith, Event Director at UTMB UK will be leading the development with MudCrew.
Florian Lamblin, Executive Director of UTMB International, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Arc of Attrition by UTMB and its founders, Andy, Jane and Fergy, to the UTMB World Series.
“Arc of Attrition by UTMB is a mythical event with a reputation for difficulty, and which showcases a sumptuous region – Cornwall, which we will endeavour to develop while respecting its identity and local roots.”
The addition of the Arc to the UTMB World Series, takes the total of events to 43 in 2025 and responds to the growing demand from UK trail communities for a second UTMB World Series event to complement the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB in May.
It also occupies a unique position in UTMB World Series calendar as the only event in January and the sole European event between November and March.
‘You might be surprised’
But it’s fair to say the early reaction to the development has been mixed.
There’s a lively Arc of Attrition Facebook group – rapidly renamed ‘Arc of Attrition by UTMB Runners’ – with 3,600 members.
And the switch appears to have polarised opinion.
We won’t republish on here for a variety of reasons but one exception – which alludes to the hostile reaction from some quarters – was this post from photographer David Miller, whose images feature in this article.
He said: “There’s 2 sides to a story. Also it’s very easy to concentrate on the negatives of UTMB. Honestly unless you’ve been to Chamonix and experienced it you won’t quite understand. Give them a chance in Cornwall before hating because you might be surprised.”
