In a feat of outstanding stamina and fortitude Simon R recently completed a 50 mile race along the stunning and dramatic Cornish coast-path around Land's End and shares his experience of this remarkable feat with us here;
"The Arc of Attrition 50 mile race has one of the most iconic start lines of any race. The Minnack Theatre on the Cornish coast, and we were treated to the most fabulous sunrise. The route then follows the south west coast path around Lands End and up to Porthtowan.
The first 30 miles to St. Ives are brutal, if not actually vicious. The terrain is tough and challenging, with boulder fields to clamber over, rocky paths to turn your ankle on, and mud strewn descents that are almost willing you to slip over. It is, however, also the most stunning place to run in, with views that fill your soul with joy, and a constant supply of Eccles cakes kept my energy levels up.
Nikki (my wife and also a Harrier) crewed me around, driving to 9 points along the way with supplies and encouragement..... St. Ives was the only point, I think, where she had to tell me to get going again. I'd stopped to change into dry shoes and tops, and was actually quite cold....but hot chocolate was a life saver.
The weather was extremely kind, with no discernible wind or rain, and from Lands End, I could even see the Isles of Scilly.
From St. Ives on the route is kinder for 10 to 15 miles, which gives you a bit of respite before the final challenging five hills. My legs were totally beaten up by the time I hit these, so they were very slow climbs!
I was very pleased to finish and am properly happy with a time of 14 hours, 8 minutes, and 2nd MV60 for my first 50 miler.
Well done from all of The Brixham Harriers!
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