This race is currently 10% full
50km UTMB Badge
SOUTH DOWNS 50K
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Welcome to the South Downs 50k

The South Downs 50k is a 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. Its generous final cutoff time also makes it suitable for walkers. 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.

This race will also form part of the new South Downs 50K Triple Crown if you wish to enter.

South Downs Triple Crown 50k.


Our permits are granted through ARC. Permit Number pending.

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
8:30am - 7.30pm
(11 hour cutoff)
Minimum Age
20 years old
Qualifier Needed
qualifier Not required
Aid Stations
4 stations
Elevation Profile
3,600ft ascent & descent
Terrain
99% trail, 1% ROAD
Entry Fee
£78.00
(price includes mandatory GPS Tracker)
*Instalment Payments Available
COURSE RECORDS
Male
Dan Nash
03:20:26
Female
sarah webster
03:57:26
Male Vet (40+)
Toby Meanwell
03:51:32
Female Vet (40+)
sarah webster
03:57:26

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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 1 week prior to the race or once entry limits are reached.

Refund, Deferral and transfer Policy

Any time up until March 2nd 2026 you are entitled to a 50% refund. After this time no refunds will be given. The only exception to this is pregnancy. In this case if you inform us before the race you will receive a full refund.

If you can no longer make the event, there is the option of deferring your place to 2027 or transferring it to another runner. Deferrals to the following year can only be made up until two weeks before race day as can transferring to another runner. Deferrals can only be made once and there is a small fee that must be paid as there is a cost to us with some costs already having been incurred..

Pregnant women will be able to defer their place to 2027/28 if they wish and for a further 2 years if they fall pregnant again within that period. Please email neil@ukultra.co.uk if you wish to make any of these changes..

Elite Entries

We want highly competitive races at the sharp end of the fields and, welcome elite runners to come and compete. 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 marked route through the South Downs National Park
  • A bespoke UK Ultra finisher medal
  • Male and female winner trophies
  • Downloadable race photos
  • 4 well stocked aid stations
  • 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
  • 2 ITRA points
  • This is a UTMB Index Race
  • Free shuttle bus from finish line to local hotels and Eastbourne Train Station
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