Centurion South Downs Way 50
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Event overview
The South Downs Way 50® is a 50 mile (81 km) foot race held on 11 April 2026. It is the 14th annual running of the event and is the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam. The minimum age for entrants is 20. Entries open on 26 April 2025 and places on open registration total 650. The published entry fee is £115. Runners must have completed at least a marathon within the cut-off of that event between 1 January 2021 and the race date to qualify. The overall time limit for the course is 13 hours. The course is run under a UK Athletics permit and medical support is provided.
Course and logistics
The route runs from Worthing to Eastbourne along the South Downs Way National Trail. Runners begin on about six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways to join the SDW near Chanctonbury Ring, then follow the SDW to Eastbourne with a final lap of the athletics track to finish. Total climb is about 5,700 ft (1,750 m). Terrain is listed as 15% road and 85% trail. The course is marked with South Downs Way posts, red and white tape and Centurion arrows. There are seven aid stations including the finish; supplies include electrolyte drinks, gels, water, hot drinks at some stations, sandwiches and vegan and gluten free options. Crew and pacers are not permitted. A set of mandatory kit items is required and a one hour time penalty may be applied for missing items. Finish line bags may be deposited at registration and will be transported to the finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.