Arc of Attrition 2026 has been sitting in the back of my mind for a long time. I was signed up back in 2022, but a last-minute switch to the Spine meant it never happened, and since then it has remained one of those races that feels like unfinished business. It also falls on Nikki’s birthday weekend, which immediately makes it a hard sell in our household, but even so it is impossible to ignore how formidable the race is. A 100-mile coastal ultra around Cornwall, exposed, relentless, and raw, it is a course that demands respect. Living on the Isle of Man gives us a slightly unfair training advantage, with our own 100-mile coastal path and long stretches that feel strikingly similar, rugged coastline, runnable sections that punish tired legs, and constant exposure to the elements.

For those unfamiliar with the Arc of Attrition, it is a point-to-point race starting in Minions on Bodmin Moor and finishing in Porthtowan, following large sections of the South West Coast Path. Runners face steep, repeated climbs, technical coastal trail, long night sections, and unpredictable weather, all with strict cut-offs and minimal room for error. The race also includes shorter distances, including the Arc 50, which retains the same character and difficulty, just condensed into a shorter but still very demanding challenge.

While I still have not toed the line myself, we are heavily invested this year through our athletes. One in particular stands out. This will be his third time on the Arc of Attrition start list. Last year he did not get to start, and the year before illness forced him to pull out, but this time feels different. His training has been outstanding, consistent, patient, and resilient, and I am genuinely excited to track him through the race. He is currently in his eighth year of a daily running streak, eight full years without missing a single day, and that alone tells you a lot about his mindset. Add in finishes at races like the Dragon’s Back and Lavaredo, and you are looking at someone who knows how to suffer, adapt, and keep moving when things get tough.

We also have a strong Isle of Man presence in the Arc 50. Chris is no stranger to endurance, with Marathon des Sables, UTS 100 km, and UTMB already under his belt, but this race marks a big milestone for his partner Harriet, who is stepping up to her first ultra. Her training has been exceptional, and she has gone from strength to strength in the build-up, showing both endurance and speed. They are planning to run it together, although Chris is already half-expecting that the real challenge may be keeping up with Harriet.

The race offers live GPS tracking for all competitors, allowing supporters to follow progress in near real time as runners make their way along the coast, through the night, and into the later stages where the race truly begins. We will be keeping a close eye on our athletes throughout the weekend and sharing updates as the miles unfold. As always with the Arc of Attrition, the front of the race will be fascinating to watch, but for us the real story lies in the preparation, persistence, and commitment it takes just to stand on that start line.