The Maverick South Downs Trail

The Maverick South Downs Trail 2026

The event takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE. All routes start from the country park and run onto the South Downs Way and surrounding trails.

Routes run across rolling chalky downs, woodlands, farm trails and ridgeways, with several short steep climbs. The Marathon and 50k Ultra include a 15 km stretch on undulating chalk trails. The 50k Ultra route passes through Harting Downs and West Dean Woods.

Distances on offer:

• 50k Ultra: 51 km, +1294 m
• Marathon: 42 km, +1118 m
• Half Marathon: 21 km, +479 m
• Middle: 9 km, +205 m
• Short: 5 km, +144 m

There are no outposts on the Short and Middle routes. The Half Marathon has two outposts at about 5.5 km and 13.5 km. The Marathon has three outposts; the Ultra has four outposts. Outposts provide snacks, gels and electrolyte drinks as top-ups. Pre-filled paper cups are not provided at outposts; participants are asked to use a reusable cup or bottle.

Cut-off points apply to the Ultra and Marathon for safety, with locations including Harting Down Car Park, Staple Ash Farm and Chalton. Mandatory items are required on the Marathon and Ultra and include a waterproof jacket, mobile phone, minimum 1 litre water, 800 calories of food, whistle, foil blanket and GPX of the route.

Additional details: free parking is available within the event car park, the car park is a 15 minute walk from the start area, the event village provides spectator facilities, and the event is dog friendly. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.