Race to the King | 100K Non-Stop

Fitness level

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’.

Team challenge

• Enter a team from 10 to 100+
• Ideal corporate event
• Accommodates all ages, experience, fitness levels
• Walk or run a variety of distances
• Options to camp overnight or do it in one go

Whether it’s a small group 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.

Team benefits

• A healthier, happier and engaged workforce
• Team building across seniority levels
• Investing in your people’s physical and mental health
• Raising money for your chosen charity
• Bonding with clients in a unique and active way
• Empowering your team with a greater sense of self-esteem, optimism and resilience

Easy team admin

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.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The full circuit, taking in both the Coastal and Castle loops for a magnificent tour of the stunning South Downs National Park. Steeped in history and uniquely varied, the 100k Non-Stop event at Race to the King offers a course truly fit for royalty.

Event HQ

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.

By road

Easily accessible by road, lying a short distance from the A27, it's reachable from Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton and London.

By rail

The closest rail station is Chichester.

Spectators

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.

There are well-supported ultramarathons and then there is this one.

The aim is an ultra that anyone with a dose of grit and determination can finish. You won’t find a better-supported ultra anywhere in the UK – or perhaps the world!

Preparation

From the moment you sign up, you'll get help as you prepare for your ultramarathon.

• Training plans tailored to your package and level
• Top tips from trail running experts
• Exclusive offers from event partners and suppliers
• Team on hand to answer any questions you may have
• Community with access to the event forums to ask questions and share advice

On the trail

Take on some of the UK’s most iconic routes through breathtaking natural landscapes.

• Fully signposted trails for easy navigation, day and night
• Routes through heritage sites, AONBs and along National Trails
• Pit stops with heaps of food, drink, toilets, medical (and emotional) support
• Route checking and support throughout the event
• All routes and wave timings planned for minimal bottle-necks
• Individual chip timing throughout the event
• Event photographers at all the top spots along the trail

Safety

Safety really is the top priority – the approach has been refined over thousands of miles of experience.

• Independent event and route risk assessments
• Rapid response paramedic teams throughout the event
• Qualified medical personnel at all pit-stops
• Medical clinics at the basecamp and finish points
• Centralised event control system for runner emergencies
• Additional support contingencies for extreme weather events

Food and drink

The fuelling provision is designed to suit everyone, from hardy walkers to elite athletes.

• Fully stocked pit stops including cereal bars, chocolate, sweets, fresh fruit, crisps, sandwiches, tea, coffee, porridge and more
• A mix of water, squash and flat coke at stops along the way
• Hot meals at halfway and a hot meal at the finish
• Cooked and continental breakfasts for those camping overnight
• Sports nutrition including electrolyte, hydration and recovery products from High5
• Additional food concessions at the start, halfway and finish for supporters
• Bars at the basecamp and at the finish
• Offerings for special dietary requirements throughout

Transport

Transport for your bag and a range of bookable shuttles for those who can’t be dropped off or picked up.

• Bag transfer to your finish line for all runners and walkers

The finish

The grand finale has all you need for that unforgettable medal moment.

• Top quality finisher’s medal
• Live MC welcoming you over the line
• Finish line photographer
• Hot meal when you cross the finish line
• Hot showers for all participants
• Spectator zones at the finish with food and drink concessions
• Onward shuttle options
• Merchandise stand
• Bag collection

Insurance

Your money is secure with refund, deferral, and transfer options.

• Full refunds (excl. booking fee) in the case of event cancellation
• Deferral options if you can’t make the event
• Participant transfer options if you can’t make the event
• Enhanced booking insurance as an optional extra on registration

Optional extras

• Event merchandise
• Shuttles to and from the start and finish
• Parking at the start and finish
• Individual trackers
• Individual event photos

Amazing race. So well run, the volunteers are fabulous and the pit stops extremely well stocked. Highly recommended. Sarah H

Absolutely fantastic weekend... 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 staff were just awesome. They really couldn't do enough for us. Aisha A

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

My first ultra, the whole thing from start to finish was phenomenal, what really stood 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 ultras, 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

What an event and what organisation! The staff/volunteers were amazing so caring and looked out for everyone and ensured everyone was well fuelled. What a lovely dinner at the end which was much needed. Raadiyah H

My second ultra and I loved it! The sections along the coast were exceptionally scenic, and the terrain was varied throughout. Would highly recommend the Coastal 50K to anyone thinking about trying an ultra. Still on a high! Nikki G

A really well organised event. Great vibes, wonderful Marshalls and volunteers, huge spreads at checkpoints and a picturesque and varied course. Loved it from start to finish. I’ll be back! Eleanor A

Thank you for putting on such a great event yesterday. Given the challenges with the heat, every single person working and helping was outstanding. Keep up the good work. Simon T

The support infrastructure was fantastic: really efficient organisation, super-friendly and encouraging staff across the entire course - the whole event was highly professionally managed but at the same time had a friendly and informal atmosphere. Hilary T

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

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:

• Reducing the negative impact of the events

  1. Implementing strategies to reduce the negative environmental impact of the events (emissions, ecological impact, water use, plastic pollution).

  2. Off-setting the carbon footprint of the business through initiatives that reduce emissions locally and globally.

• Increasing the positive impact of the events

  3. Inspiring social and industry behaviour change by sharing, promoting and advocating for partnerships with suppliers, sponsors, clients, participants and the public.

  4. 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.

The sustainability framework of this event is regularly reviewed and available in greater detail.

Entry fees