Winter on the Downs
Eastbourne, United Kingdom • 5-6 Dec 2026
Winter on the Downs 55 Miles
Winter on the Downs is a single loop 55 miles trail race around the South Downs, starting and finishing at Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes, East Sussex. The course crosses East Sussex and West Sussex and runs mainly on grass trails, farm tracks and woodland and chalk paths. The route includes about 7,000 ft of ascent and descent and is recorded as 99% trail and 1% road.
The weather at this time of year can range from crisp sunny days to strong winds, rain, sleet, freezing temperatures and snow. East Sussex terrain has good drainage so some sections can become wet and muddy, while much of the route remains runnable.
Support on course includes seven aid stations, live GPS tracking and chip timing. The entry fee includes a mandatory GPS tracker. Included for entrants are a finisher medal, winner trophies, downloadable race photos, first aid and medical cover, event insurance and a free shuttle bus from the finish to local hotels and Eastbourne Train Station. The race is a UTMB Index event and awards 3 ITRA points.
Entry requires a qualifying marathon completed within the race cutoff in the last four years; a trail marathon is preferred but not compulsory. Minimum age is 20 years. Permits are granted through ARC and the permit number is pending. Refund, deferral and transfer options and a policy for postponement due to extreme weather are published for entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.