Centurion North Downs Way 50

North Downs Way 50® : overview

The North Downs Way 50® is a point-to-point ultramarathon from Farnham in Surrey to Knockholt Pound on the outskirts of Greater London. The course follows the North Downs Way National Trail for the full distance of 50mi (81 km) with a total climb of 5,600 ft (1,700 m). The route is about 80% trail and 20% road, reflects the first 50 miles of the NDW100 and is the second race in the 50 Mile Grand Slam. The event date is 16 May 2026 and the maximum field is listed as 325 runners.

Logistics, support and rules

Race headquarters is at Farnham Leisure Centre and the finish is in the fields behind Knockholt Pound Village Hall; parking for collectors is at Coolings Lifestyle Garden Centre, a short walk from the finish. The official cut-off for the race is 13 hours. Minimum age is 20 and entry requires having completed at least a marathon within that event’s cut-off between 1 January 2020 and race day. Entry fee is listed as £115 (UKA discounted) or £117 unaffiliated; entries open 21 June 2025 and close 4 May 2026.

There are six fully stocked aid stations with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options and hot food at the finish. Medical cover includes a team of medics, two race ambulances and static medical support at the finish. Pacers and crews are not permitted and spectators must not attend checkpoints. The course is marked by North Downs Way signposts plus Centurion arrows and ribbons, but runners remain responsible for navigation. Mandatory kit must be carried at all times and includes a charged mobile phone, water capacity of at least 1 litre, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch (min 100 lumens), cup and the supplied GPS tracking unit; a one hour time penalty applies for missing mandatory items. GPX and KML route files are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.