South Coast Ultra Challenge

Solo or with others

Taking on an ultra trek or run is a serious challenge and tough for most people, but also achievable with the right training plan which you'll get access to when you sign up. This challenge is fully supported meaning it's the perfect way to have-a-go at a longer distance.

Charity challenge

Fundraising for a cause close to your heart is part of the challenge and you'll receive a wealth of support, advice and tips from your chosen charity to make sure you smash your fundraising target.

Event HQ

Eastbourne Hub
Eastbourne
East Sussex
UK

Overview

The South Downs National Park is a superb backdrop for 2000 adventurers to take on a real challenge. An Eastbourne start, up Beachy Head, the magnificent Seven Sisters, and along the South Downs Way, with stunning views over the sea, to a Brighton half-way. Devil’s Dyke, and a few ups and downs lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an amazing 100km journey.

You’ll get full support and hospitality all the way – and with half and quarter distance options available – there’s a South Coast Ultra Challenge for everyone!

Map

Full 100km Continuous

Starting from sunny Eastbourne, over the magnificent Seven Sisters, onto Cuckmere Haven, and over the South Downs all the way to historic Arundel with view of its castle. This is a tough route with almost ~2,100m of climbing across the full 100km – but you will be rewarded with incredible views as you reach the top of these climbs.

Full 100km over 2 Days

The two-day full 100km challenge breaks down the route into two halves of 57km on day 1 and then 43km on day 2. You get to experience the route in daylight as well as the opportunity to get some rest and sleep overnight. Starting from sunny Eastbourne, over the magnificent Seven Sisters, onto Cuckmere Haven, and over the South Downs all the way to hove and then historic Arundel with view of its castle. This is a tough route with almost ~2,100m of climbing across the full 100km – but you will be rewarded with incredible views as you reach the top of these climbs.

1st Half Challenge

The 1st Half South Coast Challenge is a tough 57km with ~1250 m of climb. Setting out from Eastbourne, you will make your way to the coastline and over the Seven Sisters. After some time at Cuckmere Haven, you’ll make your way over the South Downs and finally descent into hove via Brighton’s promenade.

2nd Half Challenge

If you are looking to support someone taking on the Full Challenge you can join them on the route from 5pm Saturday onwards, or take on the 2nd Half Challenge from 6am on Sunday for a scenic ‘marathon+’ adventure across the South Downs towards Arundel.

ist Quarter Challenge

The 1st Quarter South Coast Challenge is a 25km with ~660 m of climb. Setting out from Eastbourne, you will make your way to the coastline and over the Seven Sisters through Cuckemere Haven, finishing up at Alfriston.

With weekend camping options at basecamp, a bar, BBQ, music and entertainment – there’s going to be a festival feel on this challenge!

Included before

• Dedicated challenge app to help you prepare
• Challenge manual and event guides
• Training walks and runs
• Kit and equipment lists – discounts and advice
• Preparation videos and pre-event briefing
• Online forums – meet fellow challengers

Included on the challenge

• Rest stops every ~12.5km – covered with seating, toilets & rest areas
• Free food and drinks – catering to all dietary requirements
• First aid support – at stops and en route
• Medics, podiatrists and massage
• Fully signed route and online maps
• Chip-timing – keeping track of you
• Trek Masters – to help guide you
• Baggage transfer service
• Emergency support and route pick-ups
• Shuttles for retirees to take you forward
• Bookable transfers before and after your challenge
• Medal, t-shirt and glass of fizz at the finish

Every year hundreds of challengers get a discounted charity place in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charity it gives the participant advantages too, from saving tens of pounds on the registration fee to supporting a cause that is close to your heart and much more.

Benefits of taking part for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and train, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

• Fundraising support

  Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous participants.

• Training support

  Whether this is your first ultra or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elites too, who can provide exclusive tips for your challenge preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champions.

• Branded kit

  When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest for the big day, and often a training top too.

• Exclusive social groups

  You won't be the only person taking part for that charity, so it's well worth meeting others through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training days, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels high.

Ultra challenges and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you go the distance for?

The registration fee and minimum sponsorship amount will vary depending on charity/distance chosen.

Age

• 100km - 18 years and over
• 50km - 16 years and over
• 25km - 14 years and over
• 14-17 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult
   

Entry fees

Thank you again for such a well organised event - my second 100K! However tough the Challenge, I always appreciated the support and facilities you provide and special thanks to all the volunteers for their kindness and encouragement.

A very special thank you the teams behind the organisation, the volunteers on the day, the first aid crew and the massage therapists. I finally made it into Arundel and I could not have done it without the support at each rest stop.