The Dark Downs

Name: The Dark Downs
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-10-03
Location: Lewes

OCT

2026

Run beneath starry skies on the South Downs at The Dark Downs, a dusk to night trail event from Plumpton Racecourse near Lewes. Choose a 50k or half marathon on rolling, runnable trails with reflective signage and friendly aid stations.

Sat 3 Oct 2026

Lewes, South East (England)

Registration

50 kilometers Half Marathon

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Event overview

The Dark Downs is a night-time running event held on the South Downs with two looped races:

50k
Half Marathon

The races start at dusk and continue into darkness. Runners and walkers have set time limits to complete the courses: 6 hours and 12 hours. The 50k forms part of the new "50k" South Downs Triple Crown; the series includes five 50k races, and participants may choose any three to attempt the Crown.

Course, location and support

The event is based at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes, on the South Downs. The terrain is described as rolling hills and runnable trails with generally untechnical surfaces suited to night running. The South Downs received a Dark Sky Reserve award in 2016 for its starry nights. The course is fully marked with high-visibility reflective signage and has marshals at regular intervals. Aid stations are provided and staffed by volunteers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

50 km

50k

Half Marathon