Three Forts Challenge

Worthing, United Kingdom • 2 May 2027

Three Forts Challenge

The Three Forts Challenge is an annual trail running event set across the South Downs with its home at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre in Sussex. The event has been held since 1977 and is commonly known as The Tough One. The course runs across rolling hills and offers coastal views. Organisers describe a community atmosphere at the event.

Entries support Ferring Country Centre and local Sussex charities; profits are directed to those organisations. Routes are offered over different distances and the event includes an option to run with a canine companion. Results and event galleries are published after each edition.

Available race distances include:

  • Full marathon
  • Half marathon
  • 5-mile trail run

The event is presented as a route-focused trail experience rather than a seafront race, with an emphasis on countryside terrain and local community support. The Three Forts Challenge is scheduled for Sunday 2 May 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

26 mi
Full Marathon
13 mi
Half Marathon
5 mi
5-Mile Trail Run
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail races from Queen Elizabeth Country Park across sections of the South Downs Way, offered at 12K, 25K and 50K, with marked routes, stocked aid stations, marshals and a serviced event village plus chip timing and finish medals.

The Bright Skies - Surrey Hills will take place in Dorking on Sunday 26 July 2026. You can run between 5 and 42 kilometers.

A volunteer run 10 mile multi terrain race across the South Downs with mile markers, two water stations and precision chip timing. Finishers get a unique medal and there is a free kids fun run plus homemade cakes at the pavilion.

Mudgy trail race in Bordon on mixed woodland and sandy terrain with 5 km single lap or 10 km two laps and a 75 minute first lap cutoff.

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