Lewes.
Sussex Downs Trail Run
The Sussex Downs Trail Run is set in the breathtaking South Downs National Park in Mid-Sussex, offering runners a mix of scenic views, challenging climbs, and varied trail terrain. Starting from the well-equipped Plumpton Racecourse, the event is easily accessible from Brighton, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Burgess Hill, and major routes including the A27 and A23.
The event offers three route options: the 21km Half Marathon, a 15km standard route, and a 10km shorter route, making it suitable for runners of all levels. Each course begins with a gently flattish 3.5km tree-lined section to warm up the legs before a rewarding climb to the South Downs Way, where runners are treated to spectacular vistas over the Sussex countryside, Seven Sisters Country Park, and even distant sea views.
...From there, the route loops along sturdy trails towards Brighton before returning to the South Downs Way, offering more awe-inspiring scenery. A descent from the hilltop leads into a flat final 3km stretch to the finish line, ensuring a strong and satisfying conclusion to the run.
What You Get:
- Chip Timed Event
- High-quality Metal Medal
- Finisher's Goodie and Refreshing Drink
- Personalised Certificate
- First Aid Cover
- On-course Refreshments
- Friendly Marshals
The Sussex Downs Trail Run is a scenic, rewarding, and inclusive trail running event, perfect for beginners, experienced runners, and anyone looking to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the South Downs.
Pick Your Distance
Marathon
Route
Route
Route Information
Route Highlights
Glorious views as you climb the West Meston Bostal of the South Downs
Stunning views of Brighton and Hove as you run down a trail runners dream of a path.
Magical views of the South Downs and Seven Sisters
Endless epic views as you run down the famous South Downs Way.
Photo Gallery
Official Event Apparel
What's Included
Timing
Stations
Goodies
Cover
Marshalls
Photographer
Route
What People Are Saying
If unexpected circumstances prevent you from attending your event, Ticket Protect allows you to apply for a refund.
Protect your events tickets, should you not be able to attend for an additional 10%.
Get a full refund should you be unable to attend due to:
- Injury or illness (T&C's apply)
- Unexpected public transport disruptions
- Breakdown or accident
View full insurance cover and terms & conditions Here
Personalise your finisher medal
It's our way of saying thanks for spreading the fun!
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your next event
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Come and be part of the team!
As part of our volunteer team you will receive:
Make a difference - Create unforgettable memories, meet amazing people and be part of something epic!
As a way of saying thank you, you can now receive a discount on our Inflatable 5K, Trail Runs & Hiking Trails.
Social Media
Travel Info
Event Day Timings
Race Starts
Race Starts
Race Starts
Cut Off Time
Closes
Essential Kit List
Important Information
- You will collect your running bib number on arrival at the event. Please bring your QR code with you on the day and head to 'Registration' for collection.
- Save The Event Phone Number: 02033 717 156.
- Bib numbers should be displayed clearly on the front of you.
- We are plastic free, please bring a reusable cup / bottle for use at the water stations.
- There will be First Aid support located at the on-course aid stations and event centre.
Spectators
Spectators are always welcome at the Sussex Downs Trail Run. We love that spectators further add to the fantastic atmosphere at the event.
On Course
The race will be clearly signed using PINK arrows and PINK tape.
We will also mark hazards and road junctions with 'Caution' signs. Please take care at these points.
Upcoming Events
Beach Run
Coastal TEN
Seafront Run
£10 off
Marina Run
£10 off
Before You Book
Our RunRebel UK Trail Events are open to participants aged 17 and over.
We also welcome participants aged 12-16, provided they are accompanied by a paying, participating adult on the course.
We understand that younger participants may naturally want to run ahead, but we ask that the adult does their best to stay together with them throughout the event.
This requirement is in place for insurance and safety purposes and must be followed in order to take part.
If you're pregnant and would like to participate, we strongly recommend seeking medical advice before taking part. Participation is at your own risk, and you should only participate if you have been advised that it is safe for you to do so.
On the day of the event, you'll need to visit the Help Desk to complete an additional waiver. This confirms that you have sought medical advice, are happy to participate, and accept full responsibility for taking part.
Unfortunately, buggies, pushchairs and child running carriers are not permitted on our courses.
This is due to the nature of our events and the terrain, which can include uneven or challenging surfaces. This policy is in place for the safety of both participants and children.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted within our event village or on the course, unless the event is specifically advertised as a Canicross event.
This policy is in place for the safety and comfort of all participants, spectators and our four-legged friends.
If your event is Canicross-specific, please check the event-specific webpage for the relevant information and requirements.
Absolutely! You're more than welcome to take part with a group of friends and enjoy the event together.
If you're all booked onto the same distance, you can start together where your start times allow.
If you're taking part in different distances, you may be given different start times. However, there's nothing to stop you from meeting up out on the course and running together for part or all of your event.
Just remember to follow the course and distance you're registered for.
Entering as a group is easy! Simply add the required number of tickets to your basket during checkout and complete your booking.
Please be aware that when booking multiple participants together, the QR ticket sent after purchase will display the first and last name of each participant included in the booking.
If you're booking for people who don't know each other and would prefer their names not to appear together on the same QR ticket, we recommend making separate bookings for each participant.
Yes, provided the event has not sold out.
Please check the event-specific webpage before travelling to the event. If the event is showing as SOLD OUT, we kindly ask that you do not attend in the hope that spaces may become available. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry, and you may be turned away.
If the event is not sold out, you can purchase your entry from the Help Desk on the day.
You'll need to:
- Provide your participant details.
- Read and sign the required waiver form.
- Complete your payment.
Collect your running bib.
Please note that availability is not guaranteed, so we always recommend booking in advance to secure your place.
If an event is sold out, you can join our waiting list in case spaces become available.
To be added to the waiting list, please email bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk with the following information:
First and last name
Distance you'd like to take part in
Best contact number
If spaces become available, we will send a generic email to everyone on the waiting list with information on how to book.
Spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend acting quickly if you receive an email.
Please note that joining the waiting list does not guarantee a place at the event.
We're pleased to offer a Blue Light discount.
To claim your discount, head to the event-specific webpage for the event you'd like to enter and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page. You'll find a Blue Light Discount tab with instructions on how to claim your discount.
Please do not email your Blue Light details to us. All discounts must be claimed through the Blue Light Discount tab on the event webpage.
If you're having any trouble accessing or applying your discount, please give us a call and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Your booking & Distance
If you decide you'd like to complete a shorter distance, you have a few options:
Before the event: Email our team in advance and we can update your booking.
At the start of the event: Visit the Help Desk when you arrive and let the team know you'd like to change your distance.
During the event: You can start with the distance you originally booked and decide to complete a shorter distance when you reach the course split. Please pay close attention to the course signage and instructions from our marshals so you know where to go.
If you decide to complete a shorter distance while out on the course, please let one of our marshals know as you cross the finish line. They'll make sure your booking is updated to reflect the distance you completed.
If you decide you'd like to take on a longer distance, you can upgrade your entry in advance or on the day.
Before the event: Email our team and we can update your booking.
On the day: Head to the Help Desk when you arrive, and our team will be happy to help you upgrade your distance.
Please note that additional charges may apply when upgrading your distance.
Absolutely! You're more than welcome to take part with a group of friends and enjoy the event together.
If you're all booked onto the same distance, you can start together where your start times allow.
If you're taking part in different distances, you may be given different start times. However, there's nothing to stop you from meeting up out on the course and running together for part or all of your event.
Just remember to follow the course and distance you're registered for.
Entering as a group is easy! Simply add the required number of tickets to your basket during checkout and complete your booking.
Please be aware that when booking multiple participants together, the QR ticket sent after purchase will display the first and last name of each participant included in the booking.
If you're booking for people who don't know each other and would prefer their names not to appear together on the same QR ticket, we recommend making separate bookings for each participant.
Pre-event information & What to expect
In the week leading up to the event, you'll receive your pre-event communications. Please make sure you read these carefully, as they'll contain all the important information you need for event day, including your QR code.
Your QR code will be scanned when you arrive, and you'll then be provided with your running bib. We do not send running bibs in the post, unless specifically stated otherwise for your event.
Your entry also includes:
Chip-timed running bib
Access to refillable water and refreshment stations
A high-quality finisher's medal
Finisher's goodies
Once you cross the finish line, it's time to celebrate, collect your medal and finisher's goodies and enjoy a well-earned finish!
Don't worry, we no longer send running bibs in the post, unless your event specifically states otherwise.
In the week leading up to your event, you'll receive your QR ticket by email. This will be scanned when you arrive at the event, and you'll then be given your running bib.
Please check your junk or spam folder, as your QR ticket may sometimes end up there.
If you still can't find your QR ticket, please contact our team before the event and we'll be happy to help.
Please disregard this, as you will be issued with an updated running bib number when you arrive at the event.
Please make sure you bring your QR code with you on the day and head to Registration to collect your running bib.
Don't worry! If you're unable to find your E-ticket, you can still participate.
If you realise before your event date that you can't find your E-ticket, please email us at bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk or give us a call. A member of our team will be happy to help.
If you're unable to find your E-ticket on the day of the event, please head straight to the Help Desk when you arrive. Our team will be able to assist you and make sure you're ready to take part.
Firstly, please check your junk or spam folder to make sure any emails from us haven't ended up there.
If you're still having trouble logging in, please email bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to investigate.
It may be that your email address was entered incorrectly when your booking was made. To help us find your booking as quickly as possible, please include any booking details or information relating to your entry, such as your name, event, booking reference or the email address you used when booking.
We recommend wearing comfortable trail running clothing and trail running shoes that are suitable for the terrain and conditions.
We also recommend bringing:
A waterproof or lightweight rain jacket in case of wet weather.
Extra layers if it's going to be a colder day. You may not need to wear them while running, but they're ideal for keeping warm before and after your event.
As weather and course conditions can change, we recommend checking the forecast before you travel and dressing appropriately for the conditions on the day.
The best footwear will depend on the event location, terrain and your personal comfort.
As a general guide:
Mixed terrain: We recommend trail or hybrid running shoes with good grip and support.
Coastal events: Hybrid or road running shoes are generally suitable, depending on the conditions.
Trail events: We recommend trail running shoes with good grip, particularly where the course may be muddy, uneven or wet.
Please check the event-specific webpage for information about the terrain at your chosen event and choose footwear that you feel comfortable and confident running in.
We do not provide dedicated changing facilities at our events. However, if the event location happens to have such amenities available, you're welcome to use them.
Event Day - Arriving & Facilities
Yes, provided the event has not sold out.
Please check the event-specific webpage before travelling to the event. If the event is showing as SOLD OUT, we kindly ask that you do not attend in the hope that spaces may become available. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry, and you may be turned away.
If the event is not sold out, you can purchase your entry from the Help Desk on the day.
You'll need to:
Provide your participant details.
Read and sign the required waiver form.
Complete your payment.
Collect your running bib.
Please note that availability is not guaranteed, so we always recommend booking in advance to secure your place.
Unfortunately, there are no toilet facilities available on the course.
However, toilets will be available within the event village before you start your run. We strongly recommend using the facilities before heading out onto the course.
We do not provide dedicated changing facilities at our events. However, if the event location happens to have such amenities available, you're welcome to use them.
Yes, we operate a bag drop service for £3 per bag. This is clearly outlined on the website and in your pre-event communications. Your belongings will be safely looked after by a member of our team.
Please bring exact cash or have your card payment ready.
If you're travelling light or don't have a bag, we also offer a free bag drop with a tote bag for £5, which you can take home as a fun keepsake and a bit of memorabilia from the day.
Yes! We have refillable water stations available on the course.
The number of water stations you pass will depend on the distance you're taking part in. As these are refill stations, please remember to bring a reusable cup or water bottle with you.If you'd like to know roughly how far into the course the water stations are located, please speak to a member of our team on the day, who will be happy to help.
Yes! Spectators are very welcome to come along and watch the event for free. They will be able to watch from the designated spectator areas, although views of the course may be limited from these areas.
They can also enjoy the event village and soak up the atmosphere.
Please note that if spectators are arriving separately, parking fees may apply.
You're welcome to use a GoPro or other filming equipment during the event, but this is done entirely at your own risk.
Please be mindful of those around you when filming, particularly as young adults will be taking part in the event. Make sure your equipment does not interfere with other participants or create a safety risk on the course.
If you're planning to share your footage online, please be respectful of other participants' privacy. Do not intentionally film or share identifiable footage of young adults without permission from their parent or guardian. We also ask that you blur the faces of anyone who appears in your footage without their permission before posting it online.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted within our event village or on the course, unless the event is specifically advertised as a Canicross event.
This policy is in place for the safety and comfort of all participants, spectators and our four-legged friends.
If your event is Canicross-specific, please check the event-specific webpage for the relevant information and requirements.
On the course
Absolutely! You're more than welcome to take part with a group of friends and enjoy the event together.
If you're all booked onto the same distance, you can start together where your start times allow.
If you're taking part in different distances, you may be given different start times. However, there's nothing to stop you from meeting up out on the course and running together for part or all of your event.
Just remember to follow the course and distance you're registered for.
If you decide you'd like to complete a shorter distance, you have a few options:
Before the event: Email our team in advance and we can update your booking.
At the start of the event: Visit the Help Desk when you arrive and let the team know you'd like to change your distance.
During the event: You can start with the distance you originally booked and decide to complete a shorter distance when you reach the course split. Please pay close attention to the course signage and instructions from our marshals so you know where to go.
If you decide to complete a shorter distance while out on the course, please let one of our marshals know as you cross the finish line. They'll make sure your booking is updated to reflect the distance you completed.
If you decide you'd like to take on a longer distance, you can upgrade your entry in advance or on the day.
Before the event: Email our team and we can update your booking.
On the day: Head to the Help Desk when you arrive, and our team will be happy to help you upgrade your distance.
Please note that additional charges may apply when upgrading your distance.
Yes! We have refillable water stations available on the course.
The number of water stations you pass will depend on the distance you're taking part in. As these are refill stations, please remember to bring a reusable cup or water bottle with you.If you'd like to know roughly how far into the course the water stations are located, please speak to a member of our team on the day, who will be happy to help.
You're welcome to use a GoPro or other filming equipment during the event, but this is done entirely at your own risk.
Please be mindful of those around you when filming, particularly as young adults will be taking part in the event. Make sure your equipment does not interfere with other participants or create a safety risk on the course.
If you're planning to share your footage online, please be respectful of other participants' privacy. Do not intentionally film or share identifiable footage of young adults without permission from their parent or guardian. We also ask that you blur the faces of anyone who appears in your footage without their permission before posting it online.
Changes, Transfers & Refunds
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds unless Ticket Protect insurance was purchased at the time of booking.
If you are no longer able to attend, we do offer the option to transfer your entry to another event or to another participant. Full details on how to do this can be found in this FAQ section.
If you purchased Ticket Protect, the full terms and conditions can be found here: Ticket Protect Terms & Conditions.
If you're pregnant and did not purchase Ticket Protect, unfortunately, we're unable to offer a refund on this basis.
However, we may be able to transfer your entry to another event or to another participant. Transfer fees may apply, and transfers are subject to our event terms and availability.
Yes! If you can no longer attend, you can transfer your booking to a different event.
A £10.00 transfer fee applies per booking, not per person. We kindly ask that you let us know at least 10 days before your original event date so we have enough time to process the transfer.
If you'd like to request a transfer, please email bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk with your booking details and the event you'd like to transfer to.
Please note that transfers are subject to availability and the terms of the new event.
Yes! If you can no longer attend, you can transfer your ticket to another participant.
A £5.00 administration fee applies, per person. We kindly ask that you let us know at least 10 days before your event date so we have enough time to process the transfer.
If you'd like to request a transfer, please email bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk with your booking details and the following information for the replacement runner:
First and last name:
Age (not date of birth):
Email address:
Confirmation that they are happy to accept and comply with our Terms & Conditions: Terms & Conditions:
Once we have received the required information and the £5.00 administration fee has been paid, we can process the transfer.
Please note that transfers are subject to our event terms and conditions.
After the Events
Your results will be available shortly after the event has finished.
Please be aware that, following the event, our team may need to review and resolve any timing discrepancies before results are finalised. This means there may be a short delay before your official result is available.
If you have any questions about your result or believe there may be an issue with your timing, please email our team, and we'll be happy to look into this for you.
You'll receive a link the week after the event, taking you directly to your photos. Alternatively, you can view them here: https://www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/photos
If you notice an issue with your results, please email bookings@ukrunningevents.co.uk with details of the problem. We'll then escalate your query to our timing team, who will look into it for you.