The Dark Downs
Lewes, United Kingdom • 3 Oct 2026
The Dark Downs
The Dark Downs comprises looped night races held on the South Downs, based at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes. The event includes multiple distance options and runs from dusk into darkness on runnable, mainly untechnical trails with rolling hills.
The South Downs area is noted for clear night skies and holds a Dark Sky Reserve award from 2016. Night running is presented as an opportunity to gain experience in a race format and to practice skills useful for longer ultras. Participants are expected to encounter cooler evening temperatures and views of the night sky on open sections.
Course support includes staffed aid stations, volunteers, and marshals placed at regular intervals. The route is fully marked with high-visibility reflective signage. Time limits are specified for the races, with participants given set maximum times to complete their course.
The 50 km race forms part of a "50k" South Downs Triple Crown series, in which runners choose three of the available 50 km events to attempt the Crown. Entry fees vary by distance and option and are listed for each race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 50 km
- Half marathon
- 20 mile