Centurion South Downs Way 50km

South Downs Way 50km®

The South Downs Way 50km is a non-stop trail foot race held on 13 June 2026 entirely within the South Downs National Park. The route follows the chalk ridgeway and the majority of the course is on the South Downs Way National Trail, beginning at Matterley Bowl near Winchester and finishing in the event field at Queen Elizabeth Country Park at the foot of Butser Hill.

The route covers 50km (about 31 miles) with approximately 4000 ft / 1200 m of climb. Terrain is primarily trail with around 20% on road. The course is fully marked and supported by four stocked aid stations, a dedicated medical team, live tracking and a 9 hour overall cut-off. Pacers and on-course crew are not permitted.

Entries open 12 July 2025 and close 5 June 2026. Minimum age is 20. Entry fee is listed as £80 (unaffiliated £82). The event provides overnight camping at the start, finish line food and hot drinks, a finishers medal and category prizes for top finishers and age-group winners.

Mandatory equipment must be carried at all times and is subject to checks; items include a charged mobile phone, hydration capable of at least 1 litre, a survival blanket, a waterproof jacket with sealed seams and a cup. A one hour time penalty applies if mandatory kit is missing. The first 7.2 miles on the Matterley Estate lie on private land and should not be recceed. GPX and KML files of the route are available for download. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.