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.
(11 hour cutoff)
Our Partners
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.
- 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
Read some of our reviews
