The Dark Downs

The Dark Downs

The Dark Downs takes place at Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes and offers runners the opportunity to experience the South Downs after sunset. The event features looped courses that begin at dusk and continue into the night. Since the South Downs was designated a Dark Sky Reserve in 2016, the area is known for exceptional starry nights and expansive views.

Participants can choose from three distinct distances:

• Half Marathon
• 20 miles
• 50 km

The terrain consists of rolling hills and runnable trails. The untechnical nature of the ground is specifically suited for running in low-light conditions. The course is fully marked with high-visibility reflective signage to assist with navigation in the dark. Marshals are stationed at regular intervals across the route, and aid stations staffed by volunteers are available to all participants.

This event allows runners and walkers to gain experience with night running, a common requirement for many ultra-marathons. The 50 km race is also recognized as part of the South Downs Triple Crown series. Participants have time limits of 6 or 12 hours depending on the chosen distance. The event is open to entrants aged 20 and over. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.