The South Downs 20 miles is a beautiful route in a stunning location, through the South Downs National Park. It is an achievable, single loop race that is a great option for first time trail runners and, also a great way to prepare for marathons/longer events later in the year. Runners will start in Eastbourne and follow the South Downs Way to the Friston Forest and some fantastic woodland trails before heading towards the Seven Sisters and over Beachy Head back to the start. The views are spectacular and the course is a combination of grass trails with a few farm tracks and forest paths dotted throughout with 2900 feet of elevation. There are some hilly sections, but also flat parts too. The terrain is very runnable and not technical.
Permit: Our permits are granted through ARC. Permit pending
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 2026 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 2027. 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 and course records. 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.
- A fully signed and way marked route through the South Downs National Park
- A bespoke UK Ultra finisher medal
- Downloadable, high resolution, race photos
- 3 well stocked aid stations
- Live GPS tracking and chip timing to track runners progress and times
- Food and drink at the finish
- 1 ITRA point
- Points towards runners UTMB Index
- Event insurance
- First aid and medical cover
- Great day out on the trails!
- 15% discount at the Langham Eastbourne. Please see accommodation page.
- Free shuttle bus from finish line to local hotels and Eastbourne Train Station
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