North Downs Way 100

North Downs Way 100

The North Downs Way 100 is a continuous trail run along the North Downs Way from Farnham in Surrey to Ashford in Kent. The course distance is 103 miles (167 KMs) with approximately 11,000 ft (3350 m) of elevation gain and a 30 hour finish limit. The event is the 16th edition and serves as a Western States qualifier.

The route follows the official North Downs Way with two short deviations and passes through Puttenham, Guildford, Ranmore Common, Box Hill, Reigate Hill, Oxted and Knockholt Pound (the 50 mile point), then on through Wrotham, Detling, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Charing before finishing at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford. Terrain is listed as about 20% road and 80% trail; trail shoes are advised and some sections can be muddy or steep. The course is marked with permanent national trail posts plus additional tape, arrows and chalk at junctions, and there are several unmanned road crossings.

Logistics include a maximum of 250 starters, a minimum of 12 fully stocked aid stations with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, hot drinks from Knockholt onwards and hot food at Knockholt, Detling and the finish. Drop bags are available at Mile 50 (Knockholt), Mile 82 (Detling) and Mile 100 (Ashford) with size limits. Pacers are permitted from Mile 54.5 on foot only.

Entries open 6 September 2025 and run until 31 July 2026 or until places are filled. Entry fees are £220 for UKA affiliated runners and £222 for unaffiliated. To be eligible to start, runners must have completed a 50 mile race within 15 hours since 1 January 2021; unqualified entrants must obtain a valid qualifier before being allowed to start.

A team of race medics and ambulances operate during the weekend and there are static medical posts at major aid stations and at the finish. Runners must carry mandatory kit at all times, including a charged mobile phone, water carriage of at least 1 litre, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch and backup light, a dry long sleeved layer and a cup; kit checks take place before, during and after the race and a one hour time penalty can be applied for missing items. Awards include buckles for finishers under 24 hours and for 24 to 30 hour finishers, podium prizes by gender and veteran categories, and 500 mile and 1000 mile buckles for repeat finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.