Winter on the Downs
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Winter on the Downs
Winter on the Downs is a set of winter trail races that start and finish at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes, East Sussex. Each route is a single loop through the South Downs in East and West Sussex and runs mainly on natural surfaces including grass trails, farm tracks and woodland or chalk paths. The terrain is almost entirely trail with a small amount of road passing, and the routes are described as rolling hills with some longer, steeper climbs.
Weather at this time of year can be variable, from crisp clear conditions to strong winds, rain, sleet, fog, freezing temperatures and snow. The eastern South Downs are known for good drainage so sections can remain runnable, though some places may be wet and muddy. The event provides marked and waymarked routes through the South Downs National Park and offers live GPS tracking and chip timing; entries include a mandatory GPS tracker. Aid stations are provided along the route and the number varies by distance.
Entry requirements include a minimum age of 20 and a qualifying race result for the longer distances. The races are UTMB Index events and award ITRA points depending on distance. Finishers receive a bespoke finisher award and male and female winner trophies. The Winter on the Downs races also form part of the South Downs Triple Crown challenge. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
