The Dark Downs

Lewes, United Kingdom • 3 Oct 2026

Event overview

The Dark Downs is a night-time running event held on the South Downs with two looped races:

  • 50k
  • Half Marathon

The races start at dusk and continue into darkness. Runners and walkers have set time limits to complete the courses: 6 hours and 12 hours. The 50k forms part of the new "50k" South Downs Triple Crown; the series includes five 50k races, and participants may choose any three to attempt the Crown.

Course, location and support

The event is based at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes, on the South Downs. The terrain is described as rolling hills and runnable trails with generally untechnical surfaces suited to night running. The South Downs received a Dark Sky Reserve award in 2016 for its starry nights. The course is fully marked with high-visibility reflective signage and has marshals at regular intervals. Aid stations are provided and staffed by volunteers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k
21 km
Half Marathon
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Join Plough and Harroween, a 5 mile Halloween night trail through Friston Forest on 31 October, starting and finishing at the Plough and Harrow in Litlington. Fancy dress, head torch and trail shoes required; medals, prizes and a pub drink..

Take part in a woodland night score at Westerham: 60 minute navigation to collect as many 10 point controls as you can from 20 locations. Limited entries, book online in advance; apres and prize giving at The Carpenters Arms.

Explore the woods around Slindon with South Downs Orienteers on Saturday 15 November, with multiple courses to suit all abilities. Juniors can enter free with a special code; contact the organiser if you need one.

Run as many 5 km laps as you can in three hours around Peaslake Village Hall. A friendly night event with head torches, refreshments, prizes for top men and women plus shoe demos.

Join a guided Box Hill Vertical KM group run near Dorking for a tough 12.5 mile route with about 1000 m of climb through woods, heath and open fields. Enjoy expert guidance, technical terrain and a social finish.

Event overview Winter on the Downs is a pair of single-loop trail ultras around the trails of East and West Sussex. Both races start and finish in Helen Garden, Eastbourne. Distances offered: 55 miles 100 miles The route begins over Beach..

UTMB Index