Arc 50 - Arc of Attrition 50 mile ultra marathon 2024 - how not to run it! (race film, very useful!)

This Jan I attempted the infamous Arc of Attrition 50 mile ultra marathon event along the South West Coast Path in Cornwall. Hopefully this film will help you not to make the mistakes I did on this race! And hopefully it also provide a really useful recce if you can't get down to Cornwall to have a gander at the course. Do share your comments below if you have any top tips for other runners on this race or for me next year if I give it another go. Hope your training goes well and maybe see you on the start line in 2025!
This film is sponsored by SOAR running apparel, Sidas performance socks & insoles and Petzl headtorches, thank you to all three brands for kitting me out for all my training and race itself. Please do check out this kit as it's excellent quality and perfect for trail and ultra running. On the race I wore/used/carried the Soar Run Top L/S, Run Tights, Run Cap and Ultra Jacket waterproof, Sidas Trail Protect socks and 3Feet Run Protect insoles and Petzl Nao+, Swift and my GoPro wore the Bindi headtorch.
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[@pieter2236]

"I can see some really mad people surfing" She says while she is attempting Arc 50 🤣

[@wildgingerruns]

lol! They were the truly mad ones for sure!

[@jime2504]

Well done for even doing that distance, and the video was fantastic, you really conveyed the whole atmosphere of the race, the scenery, the terrain, the amazing marshalls and helpers, and the camerardie of the other runners. Great job!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh thanks so much that is so kind of you! It was Marco's edit that did that too, he worked wonders with my out of breath and panting footage lol!

[@adelesparke9516]

Yes, you should try it again next year... Great film Claire, really good to see what works well and what doesn't always go to plan 💗

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks I think I would like to!

[@nikoscoulson]

Fabulous video and I’m in awe of people that attempt this race. I can’t imagine that navigating through dunes at any time of day is easy so what an incredible effort. Oh and I think maps on app watches are rubbish!

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks Niko! Glad you enjoyed this one, I think there is a 50k/25miles version this coming year if that sounds more up your street for the future!

[@nickpope567]

Hey Claire, well done on making it to Godrevy AND doing all the filming. I bailed at Zennor with a hamstring injury, so you got way further than me, and I wasn't filming. I finished the 50 last year and I'm sure that when (not if!) you come back, you'll put what you've learned into success. It's a great event in a wonderful setting. Well done!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh that sucks how are you doing now? Hope it heals well! Thanks for your kind comments and well done on completing last year! Now you don't even have to do it again... ;)

[@AshRolls]

Brilliant film, thank you for filming and sharing your adventure! What stunning scenery!

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks so much, really kind of you! It is a great race

[@reinmansmith]

That was a great effort on your part Claire and a brilliant record of your race 👏👏…… I’ve tried and DNF’d twice but am determined to go back again better trained to give it one last go. Once you’ve recovered I’m sure you feel the same, so you should definitely go back, like you say better trained and knowing what you will be facing gives you a great chance. You were so close and you can trim those 15mins just by not filming and being more ‘Sabrina’ at the checkpoints! She was like a formula one team speeding through the checkpoints on the Arc 100 😮

[@wildgingerruns]

Ha ha ha, yes I should defo take a leaf out of her book! She did great on the 100. See you on the start line in 2025 maybe then! Come and say hi! Hope your training goes really well this year! Claire

[@darrelporter1620]

Hi, looks like a lovely race. It's good to see what can go wrong on these long races, great effort and hope the next one goes well! Oh and the toad looked like a Natterjack toad, very rare (almost extinct in UK) worth reporting to the Cornish wildlife trust as they will definitely want to know that they are there!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh gosh wow! Amazing toad!

[@stemp1ar151]

I think you were brilliant! That was a brutal course. I have never even been close to terrain that rugged! You are my hero!

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol! I will wear a superhero cape next time! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Thanks so much for taking us along! Great job and great effort!

[@wildgingerruns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aliapike1015]

Thanks so much for this. I'm going to enter in 2026 and will need to speed up to make the cut offs. Thanks for the hill training tips, hard to do in the flat city I live in, but I'm going to get out onto the trails. I'm doing a route recce in March, which will include the dunes. Sounds like i need to do another one in the dark.

[@wildgingerruns]

Go for it Alia! I am thinking of doing it again in 2026 also, I have added weekly strength training to my life so hoping that will be the game changer!

[@MarkShort-u3y]

Congratulations for getting as far as you did!

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you! Very kind!

[@trulou1972]

I really loved this video, thank you. I so want to do this now... Maybe I will see you in 2025! I think you did brilliantly. Well done :) Also loved how you are apologising for being timed out, into 'oh look a frog' 😂 then try to save it. So cute xx hope you're feeling okay and recovered .

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw thanks so much, ha ha yes, A FROG! Easily distracted. I hope to see you on the startline in 2025!

[@tonyreeves5083]

Goodness me, Claire! That was an incredible film and my heart broke for you as you realised the clock had caught up with you. This a great insight... and I kind want a shot at it myself now....!

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw thanks Tony! Awesome well I’ll see u there in 2025 then! Patreon trip ahoy!

[@stevenconway5456]

Great effort well done ..... that film was very useful hope to do this next year....

[@wildgingerruns]

Hope you get round because of this film Steven! Make sure you check out all the Arc 50 advice in the playlist here too! kzbin.info/aero/PLyZ16LRfpz0BfXAK1Pf1rPHzS61h6COkC

[@DavidGrimsell]

Amazing Claire you did awesome that looks a really hard race x

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you! It was tough but it is doable with a bit more training

[@alanclark666]

Probably the best AoA video i've ever seen, really showed the terrain variations that the runners have to face. Yes, you need an upgraded watch, probably a reccie through the dunes, and of course your filming cost you a lot of time. But oh my word, it was tough viewing in the checkpoint at St Ives, please have a plan next time instead of looking a little lost and pondering what you might do next! With so many easy hits to improve, I hope you go back as you've got a comfortable finish in you i'm sure

[@wildgingerruns]

Um, thank you? 😂😂😂

[@petraalma29]

@wildgingerruns Thanks so much for making this film, and also the live stream with Tim today, really useful. You did an amazing job running most of the race, showing us the course and giving everyone all these tips. It looks really tough and with tight cut-offs very little room for manoeuvre. Great that someone has offered to film and crew for you next year 😊. I never even take photos when I am racing, too distracting and time consuming. I take pictures on my recces or ask to use pics that other (faster) runners have taken on the race! Just a little warning, if you are crewed there can be the temptation to stop for longer than necessary too. Agree in advance that you won’t be chatty and settle on a time-efficient strategy. Don’t sit down if you can possibly avoid it, unless you have to deal with your feet. And don’t ever look at your phone 😂

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you! This is great advice!!!

[@paulreynolds9148]

I ran this year, so lucky with the weather. I recced the Dunes twice, once in light and dark, struggled both times but thankfully came through on the day in daylight (just!) Made it so much easier following the trodden sand paths! Definitely come back and tick it off the list! Such a brilliant event! Good luck 👍

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh good that is fantastic, congratulations! 🥂 it’s an awesome route isn’t it!

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great vlog Claire, well done . Fine margins, you'll be back ! "There's mad people surfing":) 🐸

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you :) Yes! The truly mad people that day were indeed the surfers not the runners ha ha ha! ;)

[@davidtarbuck3532]

Just caught up on this one.. great video and go back and have another crack x

[@wildgingerruns]

Argh I don't know if I can this year, I'm exhausted after just a parkrun atm!

[@edenmol4005]

Well done anyway 👏👏👏💯 all expirence in the bag 👊

[@wildgingerruns]

True that!

[@garethdean8173]

Well done Claire, some of those sections are so tough so no mean feet getting that far! It was light when i was in the Dunes and they were very tough even then!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh the dunes in the light! That would be a miracle!

[@garethdean8173]

@wildgingerruns I was on a death march to the finish by that point trying to stay awake 😂

[@neilyoung8571]

Great film. Thanks for making it. Very inspiring. You are clearly a lovely person. You should defo try again AND film it 🙂

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw thanks Neil that's very kind of you! Glad you liked the film!

[@Adventure_dad_1]

Good effort! 👍 keep training and you'll smash it next year !

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@stephenlaw1202]

bloody good effort

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you!

[@dwggladwin]

I was there as a Valet, amazing event! I’m hoping to do the 100 next year. I have used some of your gear reviews when deciding what to buy! Thank you for your hard work and objective reviews! Hopefully I’ll bump in to you next year!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh good luck to you! And thanks for valeting! Hope u have all the right kit glad the reviews helped you!

[@bazgreen6054]

Well done!!! No such thing as a fail, just learning for next time - a verrrry long recce :D

[@wildgingerruns]

Ha ha yes a very nice long training run recce! It was a really good day out I did enjoy it, and it's nice to know there's always next year! Claire

[@kathleenbolanos]

I *loved this video. Hope that you're OK and happy with it all bcs I was smiling for you! What a day! No regrets if you can 🥰

[@wildgingerruns]

I had a lovely day on the course! And was secretly quit pleased to not have to run the last bit lol! The best bit is the daylight bit lol! Thank you for smiling for me! :)

[@TadeuszCantwell]

The course looks lovely, hope you get to finish it next year.

[@wildgingerruns]

It is a great coastline isn't it, I'm sure the weather won't be as kind next year!

[@ciankennedy257]

Hi Claire, this was a great vlog. You MUST do in race filming next year. Optimise it, sure - how much did you leave on the cutting room floor - but It’s great to hear how you are doing and see the course. I’d hold off on the “in run ads” (though I get it helps to keep people going to the end) if you can. And crews are amazing (especially my wife Marie!).

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks Cian! It was a lovely day so filmed far too much. Unfortunately the ads are how I earn my living, gotta pay the mortgage somehow! ;) I;ll see if I can get a crew for 2025... hope to see you there!

[@jasperkiernan3192]

Awesome video thanks Claire ! I really hope you have another crack at the race in future. Without the extra work of filming & being more familiar with the course I reckon you could get within those cut-offs.

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks so much Jasper! And well done to you on your race too! Congrats!

[@jamstaa69]

Well done for getting as far as you did on such a tough course.. sorry you didn’t get to the end where you all deserved. Maybe next time? 👍🏼

[@wildgingerruns]

Yes maybe next time! :) Thank you!

[@robsbeenrunning]

Great film Claire. Sorry I didn't catch up with you at the end, I only just clocked you at the finish line. I was in a world of my own when I passed the finish, sorry. Lovely to meet you and hopefully catch up soon. 🙂

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh don't worry Rob I didn't even realise it was you finishing, did I film your finish? That is great! Let me know if you want the footage for your film :) CONGRATS!

[@robsbeenrunning]

@@wildgingerruns No I don't think you filmed my finish, probably a good thing, i never look good at the end of these races 😆 My film is up on the channel. 🙂

[@sy-bromham]

Well done you, another wonderful film :) I had a mare of a run too, lead legs from about mile 2!! I retired at the Lizard 10 miles in. It just wasn't my day, as with yourself, but I will come back and I will try again! I've got Cape Wrath in May so your advice will be foremost in my mind. Thanks for the films!

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh amazing, CWU! Another one I DNF-ed! Hope you watched that film too kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2epnYqKnMd9m7c And have you seen this one with the race director Shane? His top tips for nailing multi-dayers like CWU kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWncioKObcilosU Hope that helps!

[@sy-bromham]

@@wildgingerruns thank you. I’ve watched your cwu film quite a few times. You tried so hard. I really felt for you. I marshalled cwu and DBR last year and hopefully will complete them this year. Thanks for the links and being an inspiration 🙏🙏 keep them coming 🤩🦁

[@Huxley555]

Well least you met the ferg, he's the guy at the end and is one of the race directors top bloke. Trick with godrevy is if it's sand your too far left, and if you hit the road you're too far right 😂 The whole area is one big sand dune, so I'm not surprised it was confusing. Mudcrew runs are timed well, the cutoffs become further apart the longer you run at it takes into account how long you've been running for and they really do try and get you to finish. I threw myself into the deep end with the traverse as my first ultra, which is the bottom half of the arc 100, the minack start is the easy bit once you get on that, many who have done it know all too well about lamorna cove 😂 Either way nice run, you'll smash it next year 👍

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh nice! Yes, I kinda thought that was ferg from the videos he is a nice guy! Well done with ur traverse that does sound epic! Brilliant races from mudcrew aren’t they

[@grahammethold]

Of course you are going to have another go!!

[@wildgingerruns]

Am I....? ;) Who knows what the rest of 2024 will bring! Need to shift some blubber first lol!

[@grahammethold]

@@wildgingerruns Whatever you decide to do, well done for putting yourself out there and giving the 2024 AoA a go. Amazing scenery!!

[@arleenm7367]

Great effort Claire! You should get extra points (and time) for filming while running!

[@wildgingerruns]

Yes I will tell the race organiser! He needs to give me extra filming time lol!

[@michaelbennett6778]

Great film Claire very inspiring. I think I may have a go in a year or two ? 👍

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh defo go for it! You’d love it!

[@TheUnicornPacer]

Great video & info thank u very much! I think uv got it next yr train hills more and in the dark nav.

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw thank you! Yes no film next year and a bit fitter… stay tuned!

[@andreafluffkitten]

This is a great video, thanks for doing it Claire. Next year? 🙂

[@wildgingerruns]

I would like to...!

[@ibrazier]

Great effort! Not sure what Garmin you have but looks like it might not have the best maps loaded so you've got no detail? You need to enable Topo maps

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks! It is a Forerunner 245, I don't know if it has a Topo maps mode, I thought that was for the more expensive ones... either way that screen is very very small to be a map! ;)

[@martinweston8147]

Awesome effort Claire! if you do try it again, then just follow you own rules :=) Always Run when you can and learn to use the watch, or maybe up-grade to something with a base map (955/965), this was an awesome event, fingers crossed I get the same weather for my "full Arc" attempt next year.

[@wildgingerruns]

Oh yes fingers crossed for you, 100 in bad weather would be the ultimate beast!

[@kingsley6236]

Hi Claire. You siad that filming slowed you down and it would have done a bit. Having someone to film you would be a good solution, so how about this for an idea. Have a running KZbinr who is well know for their running videos (like Loyd from run4adventure) film you. You do your filming, they film you and then you can have a dual video, one from the running pont of view, the other from crew/film. I have never seen something quite like that before and could be fun!

[@wildgingerruns]

A collab would be super cool! I think Lloyd wants to run it himself tho, but it's a great idea if he gets injured or something beforehand like this year. Patreon Sean O'Keefe has offered to crew and film me also. Are you offering too? ;)

[@kingsley6236]

@@wildgingerruns If I am available, then it sounds good!

[@brentlatham5529]

You really need to sort out your shoe and sock combination. I really feel like you shouldn’t be having any blisters. Have you tried Runderwear Anti-Blister socks yet? They have been the only socks I buy for a number of years now…Did try Hilly ones once but they are quite difficult to get on and off so Runderwear mid height - don’t do ankle socks - work for me. Next thing is the map on the watch. I’ve just done the 53rd Punchbowl marathon (30 miles) and I had to tell a number of Garmin users that they needed to zoom right in for the navigation to be actually useful. Lastly you did really well. The ARC is a beast of a race and I think much harder than UTS…I haven’t done it yet and I’m not sure I’m going to…we will see. Hope to see you on the Flagship event, it’s going to be awesome up in Scotland, really looking forward to the opportunity of being out there. Anyway, you are awesome 🙌

[@wildgingerruns]

I was surprised by this heel blister, the last two 50's I did I didn't suffer lite that, but this was a pair of newish shoes a month before the race, a half size smaller than before. Nothing new on race day!

[@brentlatham5529]

@@wildgingerruns hmm. So I guess it’s the half times smaller then….the feet expands doesn’t it as you run so I guess that makes sense. I’m not sure if ‘breaking trainers in’ is really a thing…or maybe it was only a thing for when your parents bought new Clark’s for school. It wasn’t until I was in my last year of school that my parents could actually afford Nikes…and they were cool…blurred from red to yellow so used to look like fire when sprinting…or maybe that was how I hoped it looked 👀. Feel free to chastise me if I get blisters doing the flagship event. I plan to call it a day if I do start getting blisters…I don’t do blisters…I’m there to enjoy myself and how does one do that when you have blisters? Let’s take a stand against such blemishes to Ultra running, we say no more blisters!!!💪

[@niafer9444]

Well done for trying to make a film and take us along, but it was probably not the right move. I am guessing you realised that yourself in the days following the race. Fwiw, I much prefer to listen to you, the crunch of the gravel and the sounds of nature, than listen to banging music tracks. I can listen to music in a million places on KZbin, but there is only one Wild Ginger. I would be interested in what others think on the subject.

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol yes I possibly could have just scraped through that 8pm cut off if not making film, but who knows after that... Lol I tried just having me and it sounds like a sex tape with all my heavy breathing panting! So nope, you're having music people! ;)

[@audiguypaul6004]

Bit of a late comment but the 245 only has breadcrumb nav, a dot on a line, you need something like a Fenix 6 or 7 (John Lewis have an offer the 7) and then get Talkytoaster maps on it, cost about £13 and better than the Topo, good luck next time.

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you, yes I know I need a better watch with a bit of a map on it, it's just still so tiny tho, I really like the OS mapping app on the nice big iPhone screen. But probably it's best to recce the route and just remember where to go lol! Thanks for the good luck I might have another go in 2026!

[@baconboy121]

I'm doing it next year, do you have to register the day before or can you do it before the race on the day? Thank you

[@wildgingerruns]

You can do it on race day but it's very very early!

[@alig7747]

Are you doing it this year ❤🤞?

[@wildgingerruns]

Not this year, I've another project looming - the Dragon's Back SKT (Slowest Known Time!!!) over 6 separate weekends in 2025

[@kingsley6236]

It’s a toad, toads walk, frogs jump!

[@wildgingerruns]

lol it was sleepy! So who knows if it wud have jumped if it wasn’t the middle of the night 🐸😜😂

[@kingsley6236]

@@wildgingerruns loved the music in this video. I have downloaded the whistling one at the beginning, good tune to run too

[@robsbeenrunning]

Oh and yes, try again next year. Don't film, get out of Minack quickly, and push hard to Pendeen. You'll nail it...

[@wildgingerruns]

Yes, I have a plan to get a crew and they can film bits instead! I did hang around somewhat at the Minack didn't I! Enjoying it all! Have you done your film yet?

[@TristanMorris-dz6ph]

Aren’t your patrons your parents and sisters

[@wildgingerruns]

Er nope

[@TristanMorris-dz6ph]

@@wildgingerrunswell my parents really like your videos so fair play