Centurion South Downs Way 50
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South Downs Way 50® : event overview
The South Downs Way 50® is a 50 mile (81 km) foot race on 11 April 2026. The route runs along the South Downs Way National Trail, beginning in Worthing and finishing at Eastbourne Sports Club Athletics Track where runners complete a lap of the track to finish. The race starts with about six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways up to Chanctonbury Ring, then follows the final 44 miles of the SDW100 route with a specific diversion at Alfriston over Windover Hill to Jevington. This is the 14th annual running of the event and it is the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam series.
Entries are limited to 650 open-registration places, with an additional 50 Grand Slam tickets available and 50 volunteer places awarded for prior service. Minimum age is 20. An entry fee is listed as £115. To enter, runners must meet a qualification standard of having completed at least a marathon distance within the cut-off time of that event between 1 January 2021 and race day.
Course, support and rules
The course has approximately 5,700 ft (1,750 m) of elevation and is about 85% trail and 15% road. There is a 13 hour overall time limit and additional cut-offs at aid stations. The route is marked by South Downs Way posts plus red and white tape and Centurion marker arrows, but runners remain responsible for navigation. A GPX file and course map are available.
Support includes seven aid stations (including the finish) carrying a range of nutrition and hot drinks at Alfriston, Jevington and the finish; hot food is provided at the finish. Medical cover is provided with static teams, rapid response vehicles and race ambulances; remote sections may affect response times. Crew and pacers are not permitted on course, except that friends and family may accompany a runner on the finishing lap. Mandatory kit is required and includes items such as a charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, two lights (100 lumens minimum), warm hat, gloves, long-sleeved emergency layer and a cup. A time penalty is applied for missing mandatory items. Finishers receive a finisher medal; awards are given for 1st to 3rd places and multiple veteran categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.