Centurion South Downs Way 100
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South Downs Way 100 2026
The South Downs Way 100 is a 100 mile non stop foot race following the entire South Downs Way National Trail. The route runs along the chalk ridgeway from just outside Winchester to Eastbourne and uses the National Trail marker posts alongside event markings. The event is the 15th edition and forms part of the GranCanaria World Trail Majors Series.
The course covers mainly trail with some road sections and about 12700 ft / 3800 m of elevation gain. The race is fully marked and supported by a minimum of 12 aid stations, full medical cover and live tracking. Runners must finish within a 30 hour time limit; there are strict cut offs at aid stations designed to keep competitors on course for that limit.
Entry information includes a general entry fee of £220 and a field size of 600 starters. Entries for 2026 opened on 12 July 2025. A qualification standard applies: entrants must have completed at least a 50 mile race within 15 hours between 1 January 2020 and race day; unqualified entrants may be contacted to verify plans.
Race procedures include a two wave start with the faster field placed in the first wave; only the first wave is eligible for overall awards. Pacers are permitted from Kithurst Hill (mile 50). One crew vehicle per runner is allowed at specified access points with a required crew pass.
Mandatory kit must be carried at all times and will be checked. Required items include a charged mobile phone, water carrying capacity of at least 1 litre, survival blanket, waterproof jacket with sealed seams, whistle, headtorch and backup light of minimum 100 lumens (required from Washington onward), dry long sleeved layer kept separate, and a cup or mug. Drop bags are accepted for specific aid stations and for the finish; sizes are limited and bags must be labelled and collected on race day.
Awards include a 100 mile finisher buckle for all finishers and separate buckles for finishes under 24 hours. Age category and overall trophies are awarded to finishers in the specified categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
