Centurion South Downs Way 50

Event overview

The South Downs Way 50 is a 50 mile (81 km) foot race held along the South Downs Way National Trail. The event begins in Worthing and finishes with a lap of the athletics track at Eastbourne Sports Club. The race is the 14th annual running of the event and is the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam series.

Course and route

Runners leave Hillbarn Recreation Ground and negotiate the first six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways to join the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring. The remainder of the route follows the SDW to Eastbourne, with a specific deviation at Alfriston to take the bridleway over Windover Hill to Jevington rather than the Seven Sisters footpath. The course has approximately 5,700 ft (1,750 m) of climb and is about 15% road and 85% trail. The route is marked with South Downs Way acorn posts plus red and white tape and Centurion arrows. GPX and KML files are provided for navigation.

Support, cut-offs and rules

There are 7 aid stations, including the finish, offering a range of food and drink and hot drinks at selected stations; hot food is available at the finish. Full medical cover is provided with static teams, rapid response vehicles and ambulances. The overall cut-off is 13 hours, with additional cut-offs at aid stations. Minimum age is 20 and a qualifying marathon within the stated period is required. Crew and pacers are not permitted on course; friends and family may join on the finishing lap only. Mandatory kit is required and may be checked. Finishers receive a medal and prizes are awarded by place and veteran categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.