ARC of Attrition By UTMB | This is HUGE UK ultra running News
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2024
- We have known for some time that UTMB are on the look out for races to acquire in the UK. With only one Running Stones race it was only a matter of time before a new race joined the UTMB family. Now Mudcrew's Arc of Attrition is the second UK event to become a By UTMB race.
What will this mean for the race? What will it mean for the South West Coast Path and what will it mean for UK runners looking to earn stones for a trip to Chamonix for the UTMB World Series Finals.
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Feels like a sad day. Can’t see any way that having a soulless corporate that answers to bean counters and share-holders brings anything positive to such an iconic, community loving event.
Clearly UTMB is the cash cow and with finite numbers they need to find more ways of milking the same event. They can’t increase numbers at Chamonix so the next step is buy up loads of iconic feeder events and exploit them. Ultimately there will be no more places in France so you will just need to invest in collecting more and more stones to be in with a chance of getting there. And at the same time, all those who have no aspirations to go to Chamonix have to pay the elevated premiums that the corporate machine requires.
If the positive is that it brings the big names, I don’t think it’s a price worth paying. I assume most have their events dictated by their sponsors and these organisations will only take places from the many aspirational runners that have the Arc as their bucket list target.
Really hope I’m short-sighted and mistaken, but I’m not convinced IM relates to any of the amazing, life-affirming reasons and values that make the UK ultra community so great.
I was thinking about this. Half of Cornwall already seem to hate the race (but in typical Cornish style, love our money). there were further restrictions on crew access this year, so I can't imagine the locals being happy about the Poletti juggernaut rolling into town.
Also, as we've seen year in year out with Ironman, that goodwill of volunteers supporting a local race wears out pretty quickly when you are working for nothing to support another faceless corp.
Thank you, Stephen. Your work becomes ever more professional and important for the running community. You’ve explained very clearly what will happen in light of this latest move by UTMB. I feel crestfallen to hear the news, but hope that the ARC can retain its essential nature. But I doubt it.
On a personal and entirely different note, I was so happy to talk with you for a few minutes on SDW 50 weekend. You and Victoria were generous with your time and those of us waiting to toe the line were grateful for your deep understanding of the whole race scenario. I was really touched that you remembered my struggle at Mile 60 of the last NDW 100. I am aiming to make amends at the SDW 100 in June. Any advice on that, beyond what can be found in your videos on the race?
I think the special qualities of sharing that you bring to your work demonstrate why many of us distrust UTMB. That magic touch of personality and care are often submerged in corporate structures. I hope this will not be the case with the ARC and other races we know and love. Time will tell.
Thanks!
Another thing is that anyone who has run the race knows how crazy narrow the first few miles are. UTMB are only interested in money, so they'll cram as many folks on that course as they can and the bottlenecks will be significant.
They are not in charge of the route. There will be two waves of starters. There were always bottlenecks anyway in the first few miles. Try to look on the bright side.
I know I should Stephen but you know my thoughts and experience of the IM scene, it's just too hard for me to see any bright side to this, especially for this race and its location.
If (and that's a mighty big 'if' based on past behaviour) they can restrict the numbers and maintain the feel of the race, like XTri did with Norseman, it may have a chance of remaining intact but I just can't see it.
Bigger doesn't always mean better!
We just lost a crown in the UK ultra scene to a corporate giant whose main focus is $ $ $
It still exists! We haven’t lost it.
@@FilmMyRun 'a race' will exist but 'the race' will become another 'just add water' to the UTMB circuit. In 4 - 5years it will be unrecognisable from the unique challenge is it is now, Self nav will be the first thing to go.
@@ianl4518 Tbf we were all using gps watches anyway!
I still got lost at one point 🤣
I don't see any advantages for the majority of UK ultra runners... Plus the envitable significant price hike... Paying for parking etc etc that will happen like it did with UTS!!!
TBF the Arc of Attrition was expensive anyway.
So you head the livestream for this race, looks like you're playing the Dylan Bowman to UTMB part in this story, I wonder if there's going to be a Corrine Malcolm 😅
Well, I did until UTMB took over. It’s unlikely to continue in the same way now as UTMB will have a more streamlined procedure for live streaming. They do it rather better than I ever could!
@@FilmMyRun here's the thing... They won't do it better than you .. more slick, better production maybe.... Better? More enjoyable? Not likely
Couldn't have said it better myself. 👍
@@andrewbennett875 appreciate that Andrew.
Having just completed the SDW50 I have a new found respect for anyone who runs Ultra marathons! The thought of having to go further than 50 miles in a race makes me feel ill ha-ha I saw you and Victoria on the start line Saturday as I run through it but gutted I never got chance to say hi beforehand. I'd be interested in that Arc 20 mile event
I've already mailed Ferg to let him know my feelings 🙁 I wonder what James Ellson thinks now he has the Ultra World Major Series race. Making IM and the Pollettis richer than they already are doesn't need any help from me.
What a shit show.
Very interested to hear thoughts on the entry issues this morning and lack of communication about dynamic pricing. Given the website crash, it was in effect a random result as to whether you paid for a higher or lower price. There was no mention that this structure would be applied beforehand at any point. Expansion with UTMB is exciting and makes the race even more of a big deal, but it’s the things like this which leave a sour taste and I’m struggling to see how there is any sort of benefit to that.
Agreed this was not ideal this morning. Difficult to say whether it was a deliberate policy or a bug related to the crash.
Hope you guys at Film My Run get to do the live broadcast, I loved watching it this year and dot watching!
In two minds about this, as been said, if the community feel goes then that will be a bad thing, IMO.
Look forward to see how this pans out.
Thanks Stephen a great video.
I have been poised to enter the arc 100 2025 since the end of march when entries were supposed to open. I don’t really know what to do now - as someone with no UTMB index points (?) will I even get in? Is it going to be more expensive now too?
I hope this doesn’t change the community feel of the Arc which is the main reason I wanted to try it in 2025. Fingers crossed
You may have index points. Most big races give them, search your name in the utmb index listing and then claim your race profile
@@jadesveganlife thanks Jade - I’m clueless! Will have a look 🙌
On the hope that international runners will come, has that happen with the UTS? I can only really think of Sabrina Stanely & Mathieu Delpeuch. Perhaps being an “Easier” course it might. I am surprised they went with such tough event knowing how hard the UTS is, I was expecting to buy something easier.
This guy is definitely on the UTMB marketing team payroll 😂
I wish!!
Thanks for your thoughts on this. To what extent has UTS attracted top elite runners since becoming a UTMB race? Hasn't the front of the field still been dominated by UK runners? I can't see this being enough to attract elites to the UK when there are so many other excellent UTMB races to choose from in nearby countries. I think there are potential downsides to this deal which are important to acknowledge. Thanks again.
I wonder if they are going to make some major changes such as way marking the course? Can the route even support the number of runners that utmb will want/need to have?
I think it looks like there might be more aid stations but can’t quite work it out.
Well, I hope it really works out for everyone involves just sometimes when I see a local race being takeover by a corporations in my area here in the southern United States usually it changes things and not always for the better. Sometimes it makes a couple good changes, but the feel is gone but maybe not, because you know the corporations are here to make money so here to the profit so but I hope it works out. Maybe I’ll get out there.
I really hope that UTMB don't take over the Spine! That is special, has mystique and independent!
They won’t. It’s doesn’t fit their model. But also remember they can’t just take something over. The owner of the race needs to agree to sell.
@@FilmMyRun It's almost like our Barkley marathon's. Though I did fall for the April fool on UTMB buy Barkleys!
You say the Mud crew will still be in charge, but for how long. It seems the UTMB way is to keep the original organiser for a few years so they can claim they are keeping the same event spirit, then bye.
Well we can only go by what we’ve been told. I don’t believe Ferg, Andy or Jane are going anywhere soon. They love the Arc and will continue to make it a stellar event each year on the ultra running calendar.
@@FilmMyRun Ask Michael Jones if he felt the same
@@jsncdy as far as I’m aware Michael left of his own accord because he felt he had taken the race as far as he could. He was always a runner first and a race director second and he was never comfortable being the figurehead. Such a nice guy.
@@FilmMyRun Strange that has started a new ultra event straight after leaving then.
@@jsncdy nice. Yea, very decent bloke
Monopoly is never a good thing (except the board game! ).
UTMB is trying to make more and more and more money by buying out anything they can.
Bringing money to the local community or 'there are other races for you folks" is no serious argument. Keeping dignity is.
You sir are keep defending UTMB everywhere, crushing common sense.
I'm sure you will be hefty rewarded for that.
In the UK at least I don’t see what the fuss is about. There are hundreds of fell races each year of varying distances, run by clubs that have an incredible history (much more-so than the Arc) and attract very high level runners. For those that prefer the more trail, signposted races there are loads to choose from too. UTMB run two races in the UK, out of thousands of races in total. For those complaining about the environmental impact, surely it’s better to be able to collect stones at UK events than having to travel abroad to do so?
Exactly, two races in the UK amongst all the others. It’s hardly a monopoly.
It's how it starts though isn't it. They'll slowly come after all the flagship events in the UK
For me the main issue with UTMB taking on these races is that it begins to dominate runners race calendars. Runners schedule their year around getting the stones, and are therefore training or recovering in between these races and not signing up to other local ultras. I’ve run the arc 100 twice and found the family friendly atmosphere really special. The challenge will be for Ferg & Jane to somehow continue that feeling whilst wearing a UTMB (sponsored by Dacia) down jacket and beanie!
Before the silly stones you could collect points at almost every ultra, why did they need to change it?
@@geoffwilliamson8472 maybe, but also if the goal is to get the stones for Chamonix, just completing a UTMB event is enough, rather than pushing it for a fast time. Doing well & improving times at local events could still be the focus as they are more feasible to do each year & are generally cheaper (this is what I choose to do). Ultimately it is up to individual runners to decide what motivates them.
I’m running UTS50 in may and haven’t really got an opinion on UTMB until I have participated in one of there events .I also support my local small trail events which I think is the most important thing any trail runner can do to keep grass routes trail running alive 😊
Totally agree on the grass roots support
@@FilmMyRun 👍 tricounties trail running events if u ever fancy popping over this way we aren’t that far away from u guys x
The 20K Arc seems possibly doable by even aging track runners! Interesting model that seemingly a large company can "host" a race without actually "hosting" it? Do you think your services will still be required?
I doubt I’ll be doing the live streaming but I hope I might be involved in some capacity.
Great to have another UK qualifying race. I'm not a fan of IronMan, but the UTMB Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100K was great last year. The food at the check points was the best I've ever had. A total contrast to the UTMB TDS race last year, so goes to show different events can have their own character. Great the original organisers are running te race with UTMB, so quality should stay. Quite tempted to apply. It's the very long nights over winter that may put me off. I'd miss a lot of the great Cornish views.
I had pretty much the exact same experience as yourself, UTMB CCC last year had the worst checkpoints I have ever witnessed yet I've raced UTS and filmed it twice and that was superior in many ways.
If you're looking for seeing the beautiful views of the coastline, Run Walk Crawl do a summer 50 and 100 miler in Pembrokeshire.
Time will tell, but this feels like really depressing news.
Why is it depressing? A company who has worked hard to build up a great race has the opportunity to grow it further, bring more runners to the event and have the race known throughout the world. Businesses need to grow and unfortunately it is survival of the fittest out there. Running round Mont Blanc was a fantastic idea by the Polettis and created an amazing race. Running round the arc of Cornwall was a great idea and created an amazing race. It’s all good.
@@FilmMyRun That's your opinion. My opinion, which is shared by many in the trail running community, is that the inevitability of the corporatisation of our sport is a depressing thing. Sure, some people like the UTMB model and their way of doing things. But for many (probably the majority, judging by the initial reaction), it will be the same great race... just bigger, more corporate, more expensive, and ultimately making more people richer. I live in Cornwall and the Arc means a lot to me, and in all likelihood, will probably still sign up. But, however good the event might still be, something will be lost. And any gain will likely not be for the runners themselves, it will be for shareholders and an organisation that wants to capitalise on the sport's rapid growth. If you don't find that depressing then great, but surely it's not a great mystery why many do.
I think people need to stop pretending that the Arc was some tiny little community event that was run like a charity....it was already a big event. It's still a business that needs to make money at the end of the day.
I ran UTS 100k last year and it was really well run, friendly and had great volunteers.
Yes UTMB is not perfect by and stretch, and I'm not a fan of Dacia as a main sponsor, but to paint UTMB as some sort of devil that ruins everything is lazy and over the top in my opinion
Thank you Tom. Pretty much my thoughts.
So long as it's warm in UTMB's pocket I guess you're fine
I can be a bit dense at times! You might have to spell this one out for me…!
Any other positives than it will bring the worlds best ultra and trail runners? I'm not against this move, like you said there are many hundreds of ultras in the UK, but struggling to think of any positives really other than slightly better environmental impact for those in the South of England having to travel less to pick up stones.
More options in terms of race distances for people to choose from. 40k next year and a 20km option the year after. Even more of a big race atmosphere. One of only two options currently to get stones in the UK. More tourism for Cornwall at a pretty dead time of year. More investment in the area.
A little bird told me that elite runners will expect entry and accommodation to be covered by the organiser. If UTMB can make those numbers add up to attract a smattering of top talent then maybe but I doubt the numbers will be high unless participants go up.
@@maori185gc we won’t see a massive influx of North American Hoka athletes suddenly turning up in Coverack. But it is more likely that at least some more elites will decide to come and run in the UK not that we have these races.
I knew u was going to cover this 😅😂😂
I couldn’t not really seeing as I have worked for MudCrew for the past few years.
Well I for one just called my
Husband “how do you feel about a trip to the Uk?” We met in that area during Uni and I have always wanted to race there. The 50 mile sounds like a great launching point
Seems a smart and logical move for everyone. Will bring in a significant chunk of revenue to the region at a completely out of season period - that’s a good thing.
I'm running ultra trail Snowdonia utmb this year. Because i enjoy running trails/hiking mountain areas. Plus get the opportunity for stones. Its great that there will be another equally stunning and challenging route to aqquire some running stones. Not all of us can fly around the world doing utmb events. I love trails and i kove meeting people on the trails. I'm sure the takeover wont change that aspect of the event.
It’s overall good news. If people prefer small, cheaper events then there are plenty in the UK.
It’s not right to prevent the sports growth, and having to fly all over the world to gather UTMB stones is not eco or financially viable for many.
UTMB stones is a creation and therefore an eco problem created by UTMB policy shift in order to further their expansion into other areas, a very cynical ploy to muscle into other territory with their new found Ironman cheque book.
As to go find something else to race well firstly that attitude isn't very positive at all but additionally there isn't actually much on offer at that time of year especially in this distance which is one of the reasons this race became so popular.
@@danielmilton2634 there totally is. The Spine Challenger would be a perfect replacement if you want a winter 100. How about the Sunrise ultra in Norfolk? Brilliant race. There are plenty of races. Two or three UTMB races in the UK is hardly a monopoly.
This feels like ‘Privatisation’ 😵💫🤣
Or like there’s been a death in the family! It’s weird how people have reacted to this. It’s almost as though people have created this monster called UTMB in their heads and anything to do with them means certain disaster and we should all hate anyone or anything that comes into contact with them!
@@FilmMyRun or maybe we should trust someone like John Kelly who's first hand experience of the Iron Man business model from his days doing triathlon.
@@FilmMyRun My take is that it's more about direction of travel, I think many people are genuinely fed up of the "corporatisation" of everything. Trail running events were perhaps something that had (until recently) escaped that. Your clip of Florian stating the UK is a massive growth country for UTMB epitomises the sentiment.
@@stub6346 commercialisation is never good for a sport but lets not pretend that the current organisers of many no UTMB are also commercial.