South Downs (Summer Event)
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South Downs 50 miles
The South Downs 50 miles is a figure of eight loop trail race around East Sussex that starts and finishes in Helen Garden, Eastbourne. The route passes over Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters and runs on a mix of grass trails, farm tracks and woodland paths.
The course has 6400 ft of ascent and is described as mostly runnable with rolling hills and some longer, steeper climbs. Surface composition is listed as 95% trail and 5% road. The route is fully marked and there are six staffed aid stations along the course.
Entry requirements include a minimum age of 20 years and a race qualifier. Runners must have completed at least a marathon in a race with published results within the last four years; entrants may register before meeting the qualifier but must update their result before race day. The event is a UTMB Index race and awards 3 ITRA points. Live GPS tracking and chip timing are provided.
Permit approval is through the ARC with the permit number pending. The entry fee is £110 with an early bird price of £100 and includes a mandatory GPS tracker. The organiser provides first aid and medical cover. Refunds are available at 50% up to 29 February 2027; after that no refunds are given except for pregnancy when a full refund is available. Deferral or transfer options exist up to two weeks before race day, subject to conditions and a small fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
