CORNISH mother and Hayle Runners member Sophie Howard has completed one of the UK’s toughest ultramarathons, the Arc of Attrition Winter 100, finishing in an extraordinary 32:05:25 despite battling storm-force winds, relentless rain and treacherous coastal conditions.

In a field battered by Storm Ingrid, Sophie placed 139th overall, 13th female, and 2nd in her age category over the brutal 103-mile course along Cornwall’s exposed south-west coast path.

For the Hayle-based runner and mother of two, simply reaching the start line was a victory years in the making.

Sophie’s journey to the Arc 100 has been defined by resilience. After completing the Arc 50 in 2023, she dared to dream bigger. Stronger and fitter than ever, she signed up for the 100-mile event - only to be sidelined days before race day by debilitating back issues linked to stress and breathing dysfunction.

She rebuilt, adapted and returned stronger, but again, injury struck before she could toe the line.

In between setbacks, Sophie completed the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB World Finals), covering 108 miles and 10,000 metres of elevation around Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland.

“UTMB showed me what I was capable of physically,” Sophie said. “But Arc has tested me emotionally for three years. Just standing on that start line felt like winning.”

By 2025, amidst one of the most personally challenging years of her life, running became sanctuary.

“Running has been my constant for 11 years,” she said. “When everything else felt uncertain, putting one foot in front of the other made sense. This race wasn’t just about time or position—it was about proving to myself that I wouldn’t give up.”

The 2026 Arc proved one of the most punishing editions in recent memory. Gale-force winds lashed the coastline, runners were knocked sideways on exposed cliffs, waves crashed over sea walls, and sections of the course became rivers of mud.

From Coverack to Porthtowan, Sophie navigated 32 hours of relentless weather, technical terrain and energy-sapping bogs. At mile 70, she shared fuel with a struggling competitor to help keep him moving safely.

“Two years ago I would have chased every position,” Sophie reflected. “This time I reminded myself I wanted an adventure. I had nothing to prove. Helping someone else stay safe mattered more than a few minutes on the clock.”

Cheered on by family and friends along the route, including multiple Hayle Runners members, Sophie dug deep through the infamous dunes and final climbs above Portreath.

“In those conditions, just finishing felt monumental,” she said. “It took me three attempts to get to the start line. To finally cross that finish line in a storm—I’ll never forget that feeling.”

Richard Collett, chairman of Hayle Runners, has praised Sophie’s achievement. He said: “We are absolutely amazed by what Sophie has accomplished.

“To take on the Arc of Attrition in those conditions is extraordinary in itself—but to finish 13th lady and second in her age category is phenomenal. As a club, we are incredibly proud of her resilience, determination and the way she represents Hayle Runners both competitively and personally. She inspires all of us.”

Sophie credits her father for crewing her around the coastline through the storm, her mum for unwavering support, and her children for inspiring her to demonstrate resilience in action.

“I hope my children see that setbacks don’t mean stop,” Sophie said. “They mean adapt, rebuild and try again.”

She also paid tribute to Hayle Runners for years of coastal training miles and race-day support, alongside friends and training partners who supported her through multiple build-ups to the race.

“In the end,” Sophie said, “the podium place was incredible, but the real win was not giving up.”