Centurion South Downs Way 50
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Event details
The South Downs Way 50 takes place on 11 April 2026. The race distance is 50 miles (81 km) with about 5,700 ft (1,750 m) of climb. This is the 14th annual running of the event and it is the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam series. Entrants must be at least 20 years old and must meet the organiser's qualification standard of having completed a marathon-distance event within the stated qualifying period. The race has an overall time limit of 13 hours.
Course and support
The race begins in Worthing and finishes with a lap of the athletics track at Eastbourne Sports Club. Runners start on roughly six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways to join the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring; the remainder follows the South Downs Way until the final turn into Eastbourne. The route is about 15% road and 85% trail. The course is marked using South Downs Way acorn posts plus tape and organiser arrows, but runners are ultimately responsible for navigation; a downloadable GPX file and map are provided. Support includes multiple aid stations on course carrying a wide range of food and drink options, hot drinks at some stations and hot food at the finish, and race medical cover. Crew and pacers are not permitted. Finishers receive a medal; prizes are awarded to top finishers in male, female and veteran categories. Mandatory kit is required and may be checked on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
