Winter on the Downs

Winter on the Downs

Winter on the Downs comprises three single loop trail races that start and finish at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes, in the South Downs area of East and West Sussex. The courses run on grass trails, farm tracks and woodland and chalk paths and are way marked for navigation.

Distances

• 100 miles - single loop around East and West Sussex
• 55 miles - single loop through South Downs terrain
• 50 km - single loop in East Sussex

Key course features include mostly trail terrain (about 99% trail, 1% road), notable elevation gains (around 12,700 ft for the 100 mile, 7,000 ft for the 55 mile, and 3,700 ft for the 50 km), and multiple aid stations (12 for the 100 mile, 8 for the 55 mile, 4 for the 50 km). The races use GPS tracking and chip timing, and each distance holds UTMB Index status with ITRA points awarded (5 points for 100 mile, 3 for 55 mile, 2 for 50 km).

Entry rules differ by distance: the 50 km requires no qualifier, while the 55 mile and 100 mile require qualifying race experience and winter/night trail experience. Minimum age for entry is 20 years. Weather can vary widely in winter, from clear and crisp to wind, rain, sleet, fog, freezing conditions and snow, and some ground may be wet or muddy despite generally good drainage.

The event provides fully signed routes, stocked aid stations, timing and tracking, finisher awards, medical cover and event insurance. Refund, deferral and transfer rules and deadlines are published by the organiser, including a partial refund policy before a specified date and retained options for deferral or transfer under set conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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