Winter Downs 200

Event

The Winter Downs 200 is a 200 mi (321 km) continuous trail run taking place 10–14 December 2025. The route is a large loop in the south of England and follows five established trails in sequence: North Downs Way, Vanguard Way, South Downs Way, Wayfarers Walk and St Swithuns Way. The start, finish and race headquarters are at Juniper Hall, Old London Road, Dorking, RH5 6DA. Total climb is listed as about 22,500 ft (6,800 m). Terrain is approximately 20% road and 80% trail.

Format and logistics

The event is a single-stage race with a 96 hour overall time limit. Live tracking is provided across the event. There are three major aid stations and one additional safety point. Aid stations offer hot food, sleeping facilities and access to runners' drop bags; crews are not permitted inside the aid stations. Time limits at aid stations are specified (for example 3 hours at CP1, 6 hours at CP2 and CP3, 60 minutes at the safety point). Pacers are not permitted.

The course is not continuously marked; runners must use supplied GPX files and follow the way-marked trails. Runners may carry one drop bag (limits apply). A full mandatory kit list is enforced with spot checks and penalties for missing items; items include a phone, access to the GPX, battery pack (min 10,000 mAh), waterproofs, two headtorches (min 200 lumens each) with spare batteries, survival/bivi bag and emergency food and cash. Sleeping kit is required in the drop bag.

Entry and rules

Entry places are managed to allow up to 100 starters. Minimum age is 20. Applicants must declare relevant running or multi-sport experience for acceptance; completion of a single-stage 100 mile or longer event is given as a strong example of suitable experience. Entry fee information lists £600 with a non-refundable deposit of £200. The race is held under a UK Athletics permit. Awards include a finisher buckle and prizes for overall and veteran category places. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.