The ARC50 2024 - The Full Story of My Event

2023 was a tough year. But I got through it – skin cancer and associated hip surgery somewhat halted my racing endeavours. However, my thoughts were always on recovery and getting back to it!

I planned to take on the MudCrew ARC50 as my first 50 miler back post-surgery.

I’d done it before in 2020 (12:09hrs – 4th lady) and also previously attempted the 100 miler twice and DNF’d. In order to potentially apply again, I needed a qualifying race but the circumstances of last year stopped me from being able to do any eligible races, so since the summer (once signed off by my consultant) I began working up the distance and rehab on my hip to be able to take part in this event.

Stunning Minack Theatre Start Line, Porthcurno

The “half” course is 51.25 miles long with 9281ft of climb over the South West Coastal Path in Cornwall from the start line at the stunning Minack Theatre to the finish at the Eco Park in Porthtowan. There are some brutal sections through Pendeen-Zennor-St Ives, some fun in the Dunes Of Doom between Hayle and Godrevy, and the event finishes with three challenging climbs in the last five miles that locals called “The Bitches”.

The idea was always just to finish it (not actually race) so that I would have my first 50-mile race back under my belt. I had worked through Marathon and 50k distances at the end of 2023 and so next up was 50 miles and I was really hoping I could make the finish line.

The ARC Race Course Map

The technical course is mainly on the coastal path and the weather can really affect finish rates (typically 50% on the 100miler), so I was pleased to see drier weather and a good lead up to the event. Not sure the Race Director was quite so happy as he typically loves the race to be done in the most miserable of conditions!

A week before the event, I was hit with a bad head cold – such bad luck! I didn’t know if I would race or just go along to support friends. We do love visiting Cornwall for this event each year and being part of the ultra running community. I collected my thoughts together and focused on the potential race in hand, knowing I needed to make the call for definite at the end of the week leading up to it.

As it turned out the weather and conditions were perfect and I decided to do the event with a the main focus being to just go out and enjoy it – “Embrace the Joy” was my mantra of the day.

The Best Crew – Ernie & Daffers!

Therefore, race tactics were very different to my usual strict focus of driving forward. I was a lot more chilled out and had a fab time on the course. I stopped frequently to meet up with my super crew – Jason and two of our dogs Ernie & Daffers. Munching on rice pudding with jam, changing shoes and clothes and getting dog and hubby cuddles was very different to my usual approach of in, out and push on. I even stopped for a sausage sandwich 5 miles from the finish line – ketchup provided by a good friend Joanna – what a team effort.

Official Photo Out on the Course (complete with wild running hair!)

Towards the back end of the course, I also caught up with some of the 100 miler runners who had started the previous lunchtime and had been out there for hours – once again I was inspired. Some of them were moving a little better than others but for every single one I said a few words of encouragement, willing them all on to the finish and their buckles. It was a great atmosphere just chatting to fellow competitors out on the course and sharing stories of other events with the trail running community. All part of the experience.

MudCrew TV Interview at Finish (too embarrassed to watch!)

The finish line this year was much more of a proper finishing line, as the event has become so much more popular and now a Western States qualifying race (the 100 distance).

The Best Crew – My Hubby Jason (& Me)!

The net result of my change of focus was a super enjoyable time with no pressure. At the end I felt full of the joy of completing “happy miles” and running my own race. I was delighted to be cheered in over the line by my crew and some good friends. I was super happy with the outcome too – only half an hour slower than the last time I did the event in 2020 and considering I faffed about with 45 minutes “idle time” according to Garmin, I’ll take that -12:40:50hrs!

Finishers Medal & My Race Number Accompanied by Course Shoes!

Following the event, I felt elated that I had secured my first 50 miler post Big C and such a difficult time the previous year. My structured rehab and running coaching training programme had paid off in dividends and included, not only running, but also cross training – cycling, yoga and strength training – all accompanied by lots of long dog walks – all good time on feet and with three dogs there’s no escaping the daily walks. My legs and body felt fatigued but no niggles or injuries to report and I felt confident with the next few weeks of focused recovery I would be ready for my next adventure.

A few days later as usual I then succumbed to some ultra blues – the phenomenon you have about 4-5 days post ultra running event when you hit a bit of a downer and spend time reminiscing about the event, scrolling through photos and posts on social media to continue with the vibe and, fuelled by the racing addiction, start Googling future races! Who doesn’t do that right?

Official Finishers Photo – Feeling Fabulous!

Thanks go to everyone who supported me! Now I am forging onwards, focusing on my recovery and making future plans before my next event!

You can find more details about the ARC50 event (and the full 100 mile race) here: https://www.mudcrew.co.uk/events/arc-of-attrition/

The ARC50 2024 – The Full Story of My Event