08:00
Age 18 & over
£70
Explore the South Downs National Park on this epic ultramarathon offering stunning 50K or 100K routes from the glorious West Dean Gardens and taking in the Monarch's Way.
Expect a superb level of support and organisation with fantastic overnight options at the all-inclusive Basecamp.
Take the Monarch’s Way to the ancient coastal village of Bosham and on to the mighty Arundel Castle.
Race like royalty with pit stops packed with food and expert support throughout.
Two different loops taking in coastal trails and the South Downs National Park.
Bring the family to cheer you on and explore the impressive gardens and sculptures of the West Dean Estate.
The figure-of-eight loop makes the simplest possible format to tick off 100km.
This event is part of Race to the King.
2025 details to be confirmed.
Anyone can take on ultra marathons. Especially you.
Let's bust the myth that ultra marathons are for elite athletes only. Naturally, some people think they are are only for maniacs, experienced in sprinting up snow-topped mountains and crossing vast, barren deserts. But try telling that to the participants! They are mums and dads, nurses and teachers, grandparents and students. They are weekend hikers, post-work yoga masters and two-wheeled commuters. One thing they all share is the belief that more is in them, and with the support of each other, they will make it to the finish!
This challenge will not be easy and it will require a commitment from you to train and prepare for the event, but with enough focus and support, anything is possible.
Are ultra marathons only for elite athletes?
This event has been designed to be a challenge, whatever your fitness level. More serious runners aim for a specific time while for others completing the distance is the goal. Whichever you are, with the right preparation, you can do it!
The aim is for all walkers and runners to cross the finish line with an unimaginable sense of achievement and a lifetime of amazing memories.
I don’t have enough time to train!
Training isn’t easy! Juggling family and social life and work is no walk in the park, however, this event is planned to make your journey as smooth as possible. Above all, you will have an incredible crew and the most incredible community to share the experience and keep you motivated from sign-up to start line.
Training. Where do I start?
Taking on your first ultra uarathon can be daunting to say the least. However, from sign up to start line you will be supported every step of the way, with training plans for walkers and runners, tips, and great offers from partners. You also get access to an incredible Facebook support forum where you can find nearby walkers and runners to help you train, share advice or just share your blister photos!
Get social
If you're unsure what kit to take or you're looking for a training partner or someone to walk the trail with, join the Trail Series Facebook forum and chat with fellow ‘racers’.
Whether it’s a small group of you or most of the company – there's a package for you. Optional extras include hospitality zones, bespoke kit and live Q & A’s for your team.
The admin is light! The participant comms ensure your team has all the info it needs, as well as being on hand to answer any questions. All the training guides and kit lists are provided, plus there's help with the logistics of getting to and from the event.
West Dean Gardens
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0RX
UK
On the southern edge of the South Downs National Park, West Dean Gardens offer a superb rural location for the Event Village.
Easily accessible by road, lying a short distance from the A27, it's reachable from Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton and London.
The closest rail station is Chichester.
There is a drop off zone at the start, where friends and family are able to wait and watch competitors depart from the start line.
Setting off from Basecamp and heading through the historic town of Arundel you will witness the impressive Arundel Castle as you meander along the River Arun. As you head towards the finish you will journey across the South Downs Way, where you can expect challenging climbs amongst breath taking surroundings every step of the way, ending back at the glorious West Dean Gardens.
The organiser's sustainability framework highlights that sustainability is embedded in all events they organise, including this one. They believe passionately that their events should strive to have as positive impact on the natural world as they do on the teams and individuals that participate in them.
The clear framework is underpinned by the vision to have a net positive impact on the natural world. This will be achieved by:
1. Reducing: Implementing strategies to reduce the negative environmental impact of the events (emissions, ecological impact, water use, plastic pollution).
2. Off-setting: Off-setting the carbon footprint of the business through initiatives that reduce emissions locally and globally.
3. Inspiring: Inspiring social and industry behaviour change by sharing, promoting and advocating for partnerships with suppliers, sponsors, clients, participants and the public.
4. Advancing: Quantifying the impact of the events and setting SMART objectives. Basing strategies on science and sharing data within the Infront Group, the industry and academia.
This framework is regularly reviewed and is available in greater detail.
There are well-supported ultra marathons and then there is this one.
This charity has places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity and complete the form to ask a question or get signed up.
All charity places
Mental health
Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.
Sign up
£30
Fundraise
£350
Entry fee
£70.00
Absolutely fantastic weekend, friend and I ran this as our first and definitely not our only Ultra. Loved the friendliness of other runners, the pit stops were amazing - well stocked with a great selection of food and drinks. We particularly appreciated the clean portaloos!! Aileen
The beautiful landscape of the South Downs Way was a revelation. The pit stops were well stocked and the crew friendly and helpful across the entire course. I’d recommend this event. Paul
So well organised! Given everything going on it was absolutely brilliant. The aid stations were so well supported and the volunteers were so supportive and attentive. The views were spectacular and well worth the difficult hills. Charly
Amazing race. So well run, the volunteers are fabulous and the pit stops extremely well stocked. Highly recommended. Sarah H
My first ultra, the whole thing from start to finish was phenomenal, what really stodd out was how lovely the support staff were, cheering us on and their words of encouragement were so lovely! Kylie B
Brilliant event! A great intro into ultra, as so well supported and signed. Stunning route. Felt like I had all the information I needed in the lead up and the pit stops and organisation on the day were seamless. Amie F
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck