South Coast Challenge

South Coast Ultra Challenge - 5-6 Sept 2026

The South Coast Ultra Challenge is a multi-distance trek and trail event on the South Downs Way, starting in Eastbourne and finishing in Arundel. The route passes Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters, a Brighton half-way point, and Devil's Dyke. The full continuous route is listed with an overall climb of about 2,170 m and the event capacity is stated as 2,000 participants.

Distances and race formats

• 100 km full continuous route (Eastbourne > Arundel, ~2,170 m climb)
• 100 km full over 2 days, split into 57 km (Day 1, ~1,250 m climb) and 43 km (Day 2, ~850 m climb)
• 57 km first half (Eastbourne > Hove, ~1,250 m climb)
• 43 km second half (Hove > Arundel, ~850 m elevation)
• 25 km quarter challenge (Eastbourne > Alfriston, ~690 m elevation)

The event also lists an Ultra March option for walkers (100 km under 24 hours or 50 km under 12 hours) and a Ultra Trailblazerz category for faster, time-targeted runners.

Support, services and entry details

Support includes covered rest stops about every 12.5 km, larger stops at ~25/50/75/100 km, regular snacks every 12.5 km, meals every 25 km, hot drinks and energy drinks, and catering for dietary requirements. Rest stops provide toilets, medical areas, changing rooms and baggage pick up. Medical staff, podiatrists and massage teams are available at stops and roaming the route. The route is waymarked with arrows and glow-sticks at night and includes GPS tracking via an event app and timing scans at rest stops. Camping base camp with hot showers is offered for multi-day participants. Entry options shown include self-funding and charity-sponsorship routes; listed self-funding fees are: Full ~100 km £199, Half ~50/57 km £139, Quarter ~25 km £89. Charity sponsorship fees for the full and shorter distances are also listed with minimum fundraising targets. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.