South Downs

Event overview

The South Downs (Summer Event) is a group of point-to-point races held on 23 May 2026 through the South Downs National Park in the south east of England. Routes are mainly on trail and converge to finish near the white cliffs of Beachy Head in Eastbourne. Courses include grass trails, farm tracks and forest paths and are described as largely runnable and non-technical. The South Downs 50k specifically starts at the University of Brighton, Falmer, and finishes at Helen Gardens, Eastbourne.

Race details and entry

Distances in the event include:

• 50 km
• 100 km
• 20 miles
• Half marathon

The South Downs 50k route features over 3,500 feet of ascent and descent and lists 99% trail, 1% road. There are four well-stocked aid stations on the 50k course. Minimum age for entrants is 20 years. No qualifier is required. The 50k entry fee is listed as £78, with a mandatory GPS tracker included. The race awards 2 ITRA points and is a UTMB Index event. Live GPS tracking and chip timing are provided, and a shuttle bus from the finish to local hotels and Eastbourne train station is available.

Permit approval is managed through ARC and was pending at the time of the listing. Refund, deferral and transfer rules include a 50% refund option up to 2 March 2026, with no refunds after that date except in cases of pregnancy; deferral and transfer options are subject to time limits and fees. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.