North Downs Way 100

Event

The North Downs Way 100® is a 100 mile (103 mi / 167 km) continuous trail race held on 8 August 2026. It is the 16th annual edition and a Western States qualifier. Total climb is 11,000 ft (about 3,350 m). The race has a 30 hour overall time limit. Entry is limited and places are offered on a first come, first served basis; entries open 6 September 2025 and close 31 July 2026 or when full. Minimum age is 20. Entry fees are listed as £220 for UKA affiliated runners and £222 for unaffiliated runners.

Course and logistics

The course follows the North Downs Way from Farnham in Surrey to the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent, with two small deviations. The route passes Puttenham, Guildford, Ranmore Common, Box Hill, Reigate Hill, Merstham, Oxted and Knockholt Pound (the 50 mile point), then Wrotham, Holly Hill, the Medway crossing and villages including Detling, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Charing before Ashford. Terrain is approximately 80% trail and 20% road. There are a minimum of 12 staffed aid stations; hot drinks and hot food are available at selected later stations. The course is marked with national trail posts and additional tape and arrows, but navigation remains the runner's responsibility.

Pacers are permitted from the Otford crew point (mile 54.5); only one pacer may run with a competitor at a time. Crews are allowed at listed points and only one crew vehicle may be on course with a runner at any time. Drop bags are transported to specified aid stations and have a size limit of 45 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm except the finish bag. Mandatory kit includes a charged mobile phone, 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch and backup light, and other items; missing mandatory items may incur a time penalty. Awards include different buckles for finishers under 24 hours and for finishers between 24 and 30 hours, plus podium and veteran-category prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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