The Atlantic Coast Challenge

Atlantic Coast Path - 4th, 5th and 6th October 2024

Introduction:

Now in its 19th year the more windswept and, some might say, interesting younger sibling of the Jurassic Coast Challenge. The route starts near Padstow and finishes at Lands End. Complete up to 78.6 miles (3 marathons) over 3 days by walking, running or crawling, putting your mental and physical prowess against some of the wildest coastlines in Britain.

Dare to complete 1, 2 or 3 days. Every Atlantic Coast Challenge starter receives an event T-shirt and every finisher receives a classic challenge medal and Cornish Pasty. Monday morning proof to your work colleagues or family that you completed the toughest 3-day Votwo challenge!

The Votwo team will take care of everything at the event for you so all you need to concentrate on is completing the distance each day.

Dates:

Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October 2024

Event HQ:

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, 73 Loggans Rd, Upton Towans, Hayle TR27 5BH - View Location

Distances/prices:

3 Days entry - £200.

£70 Single-day entry.

All entry prices are inclusive of VAT.

Please note prices do not include accommodation.

Day One, 42.2 KM: Nr Padstow - Perranporth
Day Two, 42.2 KM: Perranporth - St Ives Bay Holiday Park
Day Three, 44.3 KM: Lelant - Lands End

Whats Included:

GPS tracker, supplied by Geo Tracks

Live view GPS tracking course maps
Event branded t-shirt
Food and drink on the course each day
Transport to and from the event HQ to the start/finish each day
Bespoke finishers medal
Free parking at the event HQ
Medical cover
On course support and mini bus pick up for retired participants
Event briefing pack
Finishers Cornish pasty

Participants pack

Approx 2 weeks pre event the 2024 participation pack will be published here.

2023 is shown below as a guide (some details might change for 2024)

Download the 2023 participants pack HERE

BOOK YOUR 2024 ACCOMMODATION HERE

2024 ENTER HERE

Check out 2021 highlights.

Ross from Flimchute provided outstanding footage from the 2021 event. Please view, like, and share!

“Just to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone involved in organising the ACC. A fantastic event, amazing support and brilliantly organised. I loved every minute of it!"”

— Carol M

Read how Paul Halford took on The Atlantic Coast Challenge in 2020 here…

Terrain:

Wild and rugged. Steep climbs and descents that test your concentration as well as your strength. Each day is unique with its own individual challenges and famous landmarks to add to the experience.

The course follows the South West Coast Path which is marked by the Acorn sign. It's a very obvious well-worn route. The emphasis is on self-navigation. In most cases, it's as easy as keeping the sea on your right and the land on your left.

Event HQ:

Located at the St Ives Bay Holiday Park TR27 5BH, the event HQ is situated in the large conservatory next to the bar and the Bay View cafe.

Catering will be available at the HQ.

Accommodation keys to be collected from the HQ.

Transportation:

Each day you will be instructed to meet at the event HQ and then be transported to the start. Once you join Votwo on the event you can leave your car at the event HQ and take advantage of the Votwo mini busses. On completion of the days run you will be transported back to the event HQ.

Checkpoints (CPs):

These are located approximately every 10KM. At each CP you will be ‘checked’ in by the CP staff and your time logged. This means we know where you are on the course and if you are late for a checkpoint we can assist you.

All the CPs will be stocked with bars, jelly babies, salty snacks, filled rolls, water, squash, coke, and hot drinks (at CP 2 and 3). At the finish point each day a bowl of hot homemade soup and bread roll will await you. CP locations are marked on your issued maps and CP close times will be issued to you along with your actions on the emergency card. The event medics will be available at the CP.

Onsite Catering:

Event catering at the Bay View Cafe (next to the registration area)

The (2023) cost is £20.00 per day (Breakfast - £6.50 - 2 course evening meal - £13.50). The chef is briefed to make large, healthy portions suitable for people running a marathon a day!

Meals start on Thursday evening and finish on Sunday evening.

Teams:

For those that wish to enter as a team, you may do so by emailing events@votwo.co.uk. There is an additional charge for teams as it incurs additional admin, medals & t-shirts per person. Teams may use the start and finish transportation but if you wish to meet at a checkpoint and swap over you will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the checkpoints. Teams must also at registration make sure that the HQ has everyone's mobile number and emergency details. The booking will be under the group leader who will be responsible for organising the whole group.

Medical assistance:

The course is covered by the medical support team. Every morning at challenge registration the medics will be available to sort out any blisters, tape feet up etc.

2023 Course Maps

Day One - Nr Padstow to Perranporth - GPX file download

Day Two - Perranporth to St Ives Bay Holiday park- GPX file download

Day Three - Nr Padstow to Perranporth - GPX file download

Running groups:

There are two start groups for day 1 and 3 start groups for day 2 and 3

Group 1 is for walkers and slower joggers ONLY.

Group 2 is for runners and faster runners. NO walkers in group 2.

Group 3 on day 2 and 3 is for faster runners.

Your start group for day 1 will be determined by the event organiser and published in the 'participants information pack' pre the event date.

The briefing, bus and start times for each group on each day of the challenge can be found in the Participant Information Pack.

Kit list:

Whilst taking part in the challenge it is compulsory for you to carry the following equipment. Each day at challenge registration you will be asked to prove you have certain pieces of kit on the list. If you don’t have this kit you will not be allowed to participate in the event. We will be enforcing the policy of: no kit, no run. If the worst happens to you any of the below kit could really make the difference to your survival and wellbeing. There will be random spot checks.

Please note: This kit list has been updated from previous events.

Kit list:

Essential kit: (to be carried on your person or in your rucksack)

A means of navigation
Useful numbers, checkpoint timings, and lost procedure
Whistle
Compass (make sure your compass is attached to you or your kit)
Waterproof top
Long trousers or tights
Gloves (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
Hat (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
A chocolate bar or similar
Small torch with spare batteries
Minimum of 400ml spare water
Issued 'bib number'
A lightweight piece of warm clothing (waterproofed)
A fully charged working mobile phone (waterproofed)
A notepad and pencil with your name and your mobile number written on it (waterproofed)

You must carry all the kit on the kit list. No exceptions.

Accommodation:

2023 Prices. All accommodation is for up to 4 nights Thur - Monday morning.

2 Bedroom Chalet 4 nights £225 Sleeps 2 (Non sea View)

2 Bedroom caravan 4 nights £250 Can sleep 4

3 Bedroom Caravan 4 Nights £265 Can sleep 6

Camping Pod 4 nights £155 Sleeps 2

Camping/van £20 a night Electric Hook up

Single room in a shared caravan 4 nights £90

St Ives Bay Holiday Park provides the perfect accommodation solution for entrants to the ACC. All caravans are of good standard and are on site very close to the HQ and catering building next to the indoor heated swimming pool (a must for anyone running a marathon a day!) Free on-site parking.

Accommodation is booked online as an additional cost on top of your entry fee. You can book when you enter the event online or by visiting the accommodation shop link below.

Accommodation is booked for your own sole use for yourself and your friends.

Single rooms in a shared caravan are also available