Centurion South Downs Way 100

South Downs Way 100®

The South Downs Way 100 is a 100 mile nonstop foot race that follows the entire South Downs Way National Trail. The route runs along the chalk ridge from just outside Winchester east to Eastbourne, passing rolling hills, ancient forts and villages, with views north across the Weald and south toward the coast and the English Channel. The event is part of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors series and is held annually.

The course covers approximately 161 kilometres with about 3,800 metres of elevation gain. Terrain is predominantly trail with some road sections (approximately 85% trail, 15% road). The event is fully marked and supported by a minimum of 12 stocked aid stations, with full medical cover on the route. The overall time limit for completion is 30 hours. Registration and the race start are at Matterley Bowl and the finish is at Eastbourne Sports Club Athletics Track, where runners complete a lap of the track.

Race procedures include mandatory equipment checks and specific kit requirements. Examples of required items are a fully charged mobile phone, the ability to carry at least 1 litre of fluid, a waterproof jacket with sealed seams, a survival blanket and a whistle. Headtorches are required from the Washington checkpoint onwards. Drop bags are transported to Washington (mile 54), Housedean (mile 76) and the finish. Pacers are permitted from the Kithurst Hill crew point (mile 50) and one crew vehicle per runner is allowed at designated access points. Entry standards require completion of a 50 mile race within 15 hours during the qualifying period. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.