Lewes Downland 5 & 10 Mile Trail Runs
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Lewes Downland 5 & 10 Mile Trail Runs
The Lewes Downland Trail Runs are held annually on the first Sunday in October, with the next races on Sunday 3 October 2027. Both events start from Landport Bottom Meadow, north of the town of Lewes, and use trails around Blackcap and Mount Harry on the South Downs.
The races are off road and cover a mix of grass, chalk and flint tracks, and woodland paths. The routes go over open downland and through wooded valleys, with some narrow and uneven sections. The current course layout was established in 2022.
Distances
- 5 miles
- 10 miles
Entry is open online and on the day. Entry prices include the online administration fee; unaffiliated runners pay an additional £2 for insurance. Advance entry periods are defined as Super Early (expires 31 December 2026), Early (expires 31 March 2027) and Standard (expires 1 October 2027); on the day entries are accepted after that. Swaps and transfers are accepted until Friday 1 October 2027.
The event is licensed by the Trail Running Association on behalf of UK Athletics. The 10 mile race is part of the Sussex Grand Prix. Minimum ages are 17 for the 10 mile race and 16 for the 5 mile race. The 10 mile race has a 2 hour 45 minute cut off; runners who exceed this may not receive marshal or first aid support and their time may not be recorded for the Sussex Grand Prix.
Race headquarters are at Wallands Primary School and provide registration, entries on the day, changing areas, toilets, a bag drop area (organisers are present but there is no dedicated baggage watch), a refreshment stall, and post race results and awards. Awards include team and individual medals and age category prizes for the 10 mile race and trophies for the 5 mile winners. Results are posted after the race.
Accessibility notes state that sight impaired runners may use a guide, runners with mobility impairments should judge the course for themselves, and the course is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Dogs, buggies and other accompaniments are not allowed. The organisers have measures to reduce waste and plastic at the event, including biodegradable cups, paper cups for hot drinks, recycling bins and encouragement to reuse bottles. Maps of the courses and past results are available for download. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
