Centurion South Downs Way 50km
Winchester, United Kingdom • 13 Jun 2026
South Downs Way 50km
The South Downs Way 50km is a non-stop foot race held within the South Downs National Park. The route follows the historic chalk ridgeway, offering views across the Weald to the north and the English Channel to the south. The course consists of approximately 80% trail and 20% road, featuring a total elevation gain of 1200 meters (4000 feet).
The race begins at Matterley Bowl, a natural amphitheatre located just outside of Winchester. Runners travel along the South Downs Way National Trail before finishing at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The final section of the course includes a descent off Butser Hill into the event field.
Participants must complete the distance within a 9 hour cut-off time. The event is part of the World Trail Majors Short Series and is held under a UK Athletics permit.
Available distances include:
- 50 km
- 5 km (Junior race for ages 12-17)
- 1 mile (Kids race for under 12s)
The event provides four fully stocked aid stations offering a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, hydration drinks, and gels. Mandatory equipment is required for all runners, including a mobile phone, a survival blanket, a waterproof jacket with sealed seams, and a reusable cup. There are no qualification standards for the 50 km race, though the minimum age for entry is 20. Finishing runners receive a medal, and trophies are awarded for various age categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.