LDWA South Downs Marathon
East Dean, United Kingdom • 26 Apr 2026
Event details
The LDWA South Downs Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday 26 April 2026 and is organised by LDWA - Sussex. The event starts and finishes at East Dean Village Hall, Village Green Lane, East Dean, Eastbourne BN20 0DR. Two route options are offered:
- 28 miles - 4000+ ft ascent
- 18 miles - 2800+ ft ascent
Both routes cross parts of the South Downs National Park, including Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven, and visit Littlington, Firle and Alfriston. The 18 mile route omits Firle and Firle Beacon and returns from Alfriston by an alternative route. Car parking is in the field next to the hall and luggage may be left in the hall. Bus services between Eastbourne and Brighton include routes 12, 12A and 12X. Full route descriptions, maps and GPX files will be available for download from 13 April 2026.
Entries, services and rules
Entries open 18 December 2025 and close 12 April 2026. Entry fees are published for LDWA members and non-members; under 18s enter free. No entries are accepted on the day and LDWA membership is not required. Entry includes a light hot meal at the finish and an emailed certificate for finishers within the event time limit. Checkpoints provide food and refreshments, with vegetarian options. A badge is available to purchase.
Rules include no dogs except assistance dogs, under 18s requiring written parental consent and adult accompaniment, mandatory carrying of route description and maps, and the organiser’s refund policy for withdrawals. Results will be published on the LDWA website. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.