50km UTMB Badge
50k race
Sunday 26th May 2024
Welcome to the UK Ultra South Downs 50k

The South Downs 50k is a 50km point to point trail race from Falmer to Eastbourne mainly along the South Downs Way. The race passes through the stunning South Downs National Park and some of nicest trails the U.K. has to offer before finishing over the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head. The route takes in over 3,500 feet of elevation gain and descent but is the perfect introduction to trail running for newbie ultra runners and, also anyone looking to push themselves over what is a classic ultra distance. The terrain is a combination of grass trails, with a few farm tracks and forest paths dotted throughout. it is all very runnable and not technical.

Permit: Our permits are granted through ARC. Permit Number ARC24/0328

A runner up at Beachy Head with the town of Eastbourne in the background
Start Location
University of Brighton, Falmer, East Sussex, BN1 9PH
Finish Location
Helen Garden, Eastbourne, BN20 7XL
Start & End Times
8:30 - 22:00
Minimum Age
20 years old
Qualifier Needed
qualifier Not required
Aid Stations
4 stations
Elevation Profile
3,500ft ascent & descent
Terrain
99% trail, 1% ROAD
Entry Fee
£65.00
*Instalment Payments Available
COURSE RECORDS
Male
james turner
03:21:23
Female
Lizzie Keep
04:16:13
Male Vet (40+)
Toby Meanwell
03:51:32
Female Vet (40+)
Tina Bergman
04:53:57

Entry details:

Entries are available on a first come, first served basis and once it is full, they will be closed. No waitlist will be in operation. No qualifier is needed in order to participate. Entries will close 2 weeks prior to the race or once entry limits are reached.

Refund Policy:

Anytime until March 30th you are entitled to a 70% refund and 50% after until April 28th. After this no refunds will be given. The only exception to this is pregnancy in which case you will be entitled to full refund at any time. If you can no longer make the event, there is the option of deferring your place to 2025 or transferring it to another runner. This can only be done up until 2 weeks before race day and, not after. Pregnant women will be able to defer their place until 2026. Please email neil@ukultra.co.uk if you wish to do either of these.

Elite Entries:

We want highly competitive races at the sharp end of the fields and, welcome elite runners to come and compete for wins, course records and prize money. We do reserve places for elites and have packages in place to help. These are decided on an individual basis by the Race Director. If you are an elite runner and would like to take part then please email neil@ukultra.co.uk.

UK Ultra 50km silver medalsUK Ultra 50km T-Shirt
UTMB Index Logo
What is included?
  • A fantastic, fully signed and way marked route through the South Downs National Park
  • A bespoke UK Ultra finisher medal
  • Bespoke male and female winner trophies
  • Prize purse of £3000 for the first-place man and woman
  • Downloadable race photos
  • 4 well stocked aid stations
  • Food and drink at the finish line
  • Live GPS tracking and chip timing to track runners progress and times
  • Prizes for all male and female winners in vet categories
  • Event insurance
  • First aid and medical cover
  • 15% discount at the Langham Eastbourne. Please see accommodation page.
  • 2 ITRA points
  • This is a UTMB Index Race
  • Free shuttle bus from finish line to local hotels and Eastbourne Train Station
A runner up at Beachy Head with the town of Eastbourne in the backgroundTwo runners smiling at the camera with a backdrop of Birling Gap, EastbourneTwo runners climbing the hill at Beachy Head, EastbourneFinish line at the 20 mile UK Ultra race