Ultra Challenge South Coast Challenge
A hundred kilometres of the South Downs Way from Eastbourne, or fifty or twenty-five.
| Distance | Ascent | Per km |
|---|---|---|
| 100km | 2,170 m | 22 m |
| 57km 1st Half | 1,250 m | 22 m |
| 43km 2nd Half | 850 m | 20 m |
| 25km | 690 m | 28 m |
Nobody has reviewed this one yet
No reviews of the South Coast Challenge, and nothing on what people wore. Both are things no organiser publishes and every runner wants before they enter — how it actually went, and what was on your feet.
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Pick your distance
Start time not confirmed yet — check with the organiser.
What you’re in for
Eastbourne to Arundel along the South Downs: up Beachy Head, over the Seven Sisters, then the South Downs Way to a halfway at Hove, past Devil's Dyke and on west to Arundel, 100km with about 2,170m of climb on the organiser's figures. The 57km first half carries the sea cliffs and 1,250m of the climb; the 43km second half is the gentler one; the 25km quarter is the Seven Sisters. Early September, through Saturday night for the continuous distance. An Ultra Challenge event, which means walkers, joggers and runners on the same course, signed with pink arrows and glow sticks after dark, with a covered rest stop every twelve kilometres or so — food, drink, medics, toilets — and a bigger one every twenty-five. Runners can enter with a target time; most of the field will be walking.
Terrain and trail
Chalk turf on the cliff-tops and the Downs — the Seven Sisters are seven steep grassy climbs in a row — then the flinty track of the South Downs Way, a drop to the coast at Hove and the climb back up. Firm in September, exposed on the tops. Signed. A road shoe with tread or a light trail shoe.
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Other races near here
South Downs races →Races from other organisers starting within 30 km of Eastbourne, East Sussex, nearest first.
6
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CTS Sussex
Eastbourne, East Sussex · Endurancelife · 0 miles away
Chalk and forest above Eastbourne.
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3
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The Maverick East Sussex Trail
Brighton, East Sussex · Maverick Race · 17 miles away
Stanmer Park and the South Downs Way.
MODERATE
Entries open
4
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The Brighton Trail Marathon
Brighton, East Sussex · Maverick Race · 17 miles away
Trail to road — the South Downs, then the Brighton Marathon finish.
VERY HARD
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Sussex Downs Trail Run
Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes · UK Running Events · 18 miles away
Plumpton Racecourse up to the South Downs Way, 21.3k, 15.5k or 10.8k
MODERATE TO HARD
Not open yet
£34.5–£44.5
How to enter
Sat, 4 Sept – Sun, 5 Sept 2027 · Entries open
Enter on their website ↗Entries are handled by Ultra Challenge, not by us. We take nothing for sending you there.
Add to your calendar · as an all-day entry, until the start time is confirmed
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Common questions
- The South Coast Challenge offers 4 distances: 100km (62.1 miles), 57km 1st Half (35.4 miles), 43km 2nd Half (26.7 miles), 25km (15.5 miles).