The Ale Trail

Event overview

The Ale Trail 15 mile run is a community running event organised by Multisport Management in Alfriston, East Sussex. The route is approximately 15 miles and starts and finishes at the beer garden of Ye Olde Smugglers Inne, Market Square, Alfriston. The event has a four hour thirty minute time limit and a maximum of 50 places.

Course and logistics

The route is provided as a GPX file and is available to follow on Strava; a race narrative can be printed as a backup. There are two staffed checkpoint pubs on the course, The Hampden Arms and The Ram Inn. Each checkpoint issues a beer token to be exchanged at the bar for a drink and a small snack; marshals record arrivals. Participants are advised not to leave valuables, children or pets at any storage point the organisers may arrange. The organisers suggest spending no more than 15 minutes at each pub if aiming to meet the time limit.

Facilities, travel and what to bring

Race numbers, pins and a bottle of water are collected from the beer garden at the start location. Water refills may be available at the pubs. Public transport options include nearby train stations at Berwick and Seaford; local bus information is available from Cuckmere Buses. Parking options include free local parking and a nearby pay-and-display car park. Participants are advised to carry a mobile phone, clothing layers and a lightweight running jacket, and to keep a printed copy of the race narrative with emergency contact details.

Entry and fees

Entry prices increase over time; a non-UKA/TRA levy of £2 applies to non-members. Some merchandise is included in the entry fee but details are not final. Results are published within 24 hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.