Centurion South Downs Way 50

Event overview

The South Downs Way 50® is a 50 mile foot race held on 11 April 2026. The course runs along the South Downs Way National Trail, beginning in Worthing and finishing at Eastbourne Sports Club Athletics Track, where runners complete a lap of the track to finish. The event is organised as the 14th annual running of the race and is the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam of four events.

Course and race details

The route starts on chalk footpaths and bridleways, joining the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring and then following the SDW to Eastbourne, with a specific deviation at Alfriston via Windover Hill to Jevington instead of the Seven Sisters route. Distance is 50 mi (81 KMs) with 5,700 ft (1,750 m) of climb. Terrain is listed as 15% road and 85% trail. The race has a 13 hour finish cut-off and additional cut-offs at aid stations. There are 7 aid stations, with hot drinks at Alfriston, Jevington and the finish, and hot food at the finish; aid stations carry a range of nutrition and include vegan and gluten free options. Registration is at Worthing College; the finish is at Eastbourne Sports Club Athletics Track. Crew and pacers are not permitted on course. Mandatory kit is required and includes a charged mobile phone, minimum 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, primary and backup lights (each minimum 100 lumens), warm hat, gloves, long-sleeved spare layer and a cup. A one hour time penalty may be applied for missing mandatory items. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.