Three Forts Challenge

Worthing, United Kingdom • 3 May 2026

Three Forts Challenge

The Three Forts Challenge is a trail running event held on 3 May 2026 at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre in Lancing, West Sussex. The routes run across the South Downs and showcase open countryside, rolling hills and coastal views. The event has been staged since 1977 and is presented as a local Sussex tradition.

Distances offered include:

  • Full marathon
  • Half marathon
  • 3FC 5 mile trail run

The marathon and half marathon entries are open to competitors aged 18 and over. The 5 mile trail run is open to entrants aged 16 and over and is listed with a photo and medal included. Entry prices shown are £49 for the marathon, £39 for the half marathon and £20 for the 5 mile run.

Course features reported by participants include narrow chalk and flint paths, frequent aid stations and marshal support along the route. Event facilities at the leisure centre have included bag drop, post‑race refreshments and on‑site showers and a cafe. Parking at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre is limited; buses stop on the A27 and Lancing train station is the nearest rail link with an approximate 25 minute walk to the venue.

The event donates profits to Ferring Country Centre and to local Sussex charities, and the organisers permit dogs on the route. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

Marathon
Marathon 2026
Marathon
Marathon 2026
Half Marathon
Half Marathon 2026
Half Marathon
Half Marathon 2026
5 mi
3fc 5 Mile Trail Run 2026
5 mi
3fc 5 Mile Trail Run 2026
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

A guided 10 km trail run around the Devil's Punchbowl in Hindhead, Surrey. Evening sessions include sunset runs or night runs by head torch and focus on group pacing, hilly trails, and scenic views.

A single-loop trail event around Queen Elizabeth Country Park with *50 miles*, *50 km* and *20 miles* options, a 6400 ft ascent, UTMB Index status and regular waymarking and aid stations on the South Downs routes.

UTMB Index

Trail running at Amberley Museum in West Sussex with three waymarked routes on the South Downs Way. Distances range from 6 km to 22 km, with on course outposts, a reusable cup policy and free parking.

Join Phoenix Running West Sussex for the Violets Are Blue Valentines Run at Southwater Park. Pick distances from 5 km to ultra, lap the flat compact trail at your own pace with rolling starts and claim a blue Love Spoon medal.