South Downs Way 100

South Downs Way 100 Countdown

65

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

21

Sec

Next Race

June 13, 2026

66

days to go

The South Downs Way 100 is a 100-mile point-to-point race organized by Centurion Running, following the South Downs Way National Trail from Winchester to Eastbourne along England's chalk ridgeway. Established in 2012, the course covers 161 kilometers with 3,450 meters of elevation gain under a 30-hour cutoff. It is part of the World Trail Majors series and draws approximately 600 starters each June.

ITRA 5 Endurance Points

Est.

2012

Distance

161km / 100mi

Course

point-to-point

Surface

trail

Elev. Gain

3450m

Field Size

~600

When

June

Time Limit

30h

THE COURSE

Gain

+3450m

MI 0

KM 0

Matterley Bowl Start

The race begins at Matterley Bowl, an events venue just east of Winchester. Runners head east along the South Downs Way national trail toward the rising chalk downlands.

MI 22

KM 35

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

A major aid station at mile 22 set within 1,400 acres of woodland and downland near Petersfield. The park sits at the foot of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs at 270 metres.

MI 35

KM 56

Cocking

The aid station at mile 35 marks the transition into the central section of the South Downs. Runners pass through rolling chalk grassland with views across the Weald to the north.

MI 54

KM 87

Washington and Chanctonbury Ring

At mile 54, the Washington checkpoint is the first point where pacers are permitted. Nearby Chanctonbury Ring, a hilltop Iron Age fort ringed with beech trees, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the South Downs.

MI 76

KM 122

Housedean Farm and Ditchling Beacon

The Housedean Farm aid station at mile 76 precedes the steep climb to Ditchling Beacon (248m), the highest point on the East Sussex downs. The ascent is a defining challenge of the final third.

MI 100

KM 161

Eastbourne Finish via Beachy Head

The final miles pass over the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain at 162 metres. Runners descend into Eastbourne to finish at the sports park after 100 miles.