South Coast Challenge

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South Coast Challenge
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About
A testing but rewarding weekend trek, these 100k, 50k, 45k or 23k routes will challenge each entrant. However with runners, walkers, and joggers accommodated, this is a fantastic event along a stunning South Downs Way trail.
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Full Challenge - 100k, 2 Days Full Challenge, 55k - 1st Half, and 2 more
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Calendar
Sat 4th Sep 2021 - Sun 5th Sep 2021
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LocationPin
Eastbourne, United Kingdom
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Star
5
(1 Review)
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Where and when
Location
Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF, UK
Start times
Sat 4th Sep 2021
Full Challenge - 100k:
6:45am |
2 Days Full Challenge:
6:45am |
55k - 1st Half:
6:45am |
23k - 1st Quarter:
6:45am
Sun 5th Sep 2021
45k - 2nd Half:
6:50am
Event summary
Here are the distances available for South Coast Challenge
Full Challenge - 100k
Distance
100km
Elevation
2170m+
2 Days Full Challenge
Distance
100mi
Elevation
2179m+
55k - 1st Half
Distance
55km
45k - 2nd Half
Distance
45km
Elevation
860m+
Route information
Full 100k Continuous
Eastbourne to Arundel
Distance: 100k
Elevation: 2170m
The Full 100k Continuous Challenge starts in sunny Eastbourne, and takes runners along the iconic Seven Sisters, over Cuckmere Haven, and all the way to Arundel along the South Downs. With almost 2200m of climbing across the 100k, its a tough route, but you'll be rewarded with incredible views.
Full Challenge 2 Days
Eastbourne to Hove to Arundel
Day 1 - 55k & 1310m elevation
Day 2 - 45k & 860m elevation
This event splits the full challenge into 2 halves to be tackled across 2 days. Entrants will take on 55k on the first day, and 45k on the second day, ensuring you experience both glorious parts of the route in the daylight.
The route follows exactly the same as the continuous challenge, starting in Eastbourne and heading along the Seven Sisters onto Cuckmere Haven. From here, entrants will get full view of Arundel's stunning castle as they take on almost 2200m of climbing across the whole route.
1st Half Challenge
Eastbourne to Hove
Distance: 55k
Elevation: 1310m
For those not quite ready to take on the full 100k, this 1st Half of the route is just over half the distance at 55k. Entrants will start at Eastbourne before heading to the coastline to travel over the Seven Sisters. After a quick stop at Cuckmere Haven, entrants will head down over the South Downs way and descend into Hove via Brighton's Promenade.
2nd Half Challenge
Hove to Arundel
Distance: 45k
Elevation: 860m
The 2nd Half of the challenge tackles a 45k route from Hove to Arundel. Entrants can choose to join someone in the Full Challenge from 5pm on Saturday onwards, or they can take it on themselves from early sunday morning. Either way, the route takes entrants across a scenic South Downs adventure ending in Arundel.
1st Quarter Challenge
Eastbourne to Alfriston
Distance: 23k
Elevation: 690m
The 1st Quarter Challenge is perfect for those who are new to this kind of an event, or looking to dip their toe into long-distance trail events. Travelling 23k over the most iconic section of the route, the Seven Sisters, entrants will descend over the white cliff edges from Eastbourne before travelling along the exposed hilltops of the South Downs.
Entrants can choose to run, walk or jog the event. Each option has different start & finish times. See raceday for more information.
Rest Stops
There will be rest stops every 10-15k under marquees which will be fully supported. these will include, toilet, massage, changing rooms, medical support, food and drinks, and more.
Each distance will have different food and drinks options at various stops. They will be located at the following marker points:
  • 23k - picnic lunch & fizzy drinks (BBQ for 1st Quarter Challenge)
  • 45k - BBQ (2nd Half Challenge only)
  • 55k - hot meal
  • 80k - brunch/lunch
  • 100k - cooked breakfast/BBQ
  • Finish - glass of fizz, medal, & t-shirt
Organiser route images
What's included
  • Bespoke Medal
  • Event T-shirt
  • Food & drinks catering to all requirements
  • Fully signed route & online maps
  • Chip-timed results
  • Trek Masters to help guide you
  • Baggage transfer service
  • Emergency support & route pick-ups
  • Shuttles for retirees
  • Glass of fizz at the finish!
Train
How to get there
Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF, UK
Get full directions
Transport
There are shuttle transfers available to be booked separately. These must all be booked in advance of the event.
Pre-Challenge Transfers
  • Eastbourne Station to the start: £5
  • Alfriston to the start: £10
  • Drop-off parking to Eastbourne: Free of charge
  • Parking to Eastbourne: £5
Post Challenge Transfers
  • Hove to Brighton Station: Free of charge
  • Arundel to Arundel Station: Free of charge
  • Arundel to Eastbourne: £25
These can all be booked as a bookable extra here.
Rest Stop Locations
The following is a list of rest stops and locations, in order of arrival.
  • Start: Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF
  • Stage 1 Mid-Point: Birling Gap, East Dean, East Sussex, BN20 0AB
  • Rest Stop: Bank House Farm, Alfriston, BN26 5UG. The Willows public car park
  • Stage 2 Mid-Point: Southease Village Farm, East Sussex, BN7 3HX
  • Mini-Stop: Woodingdean car park, Falmer
  • Rest Stop - Half Way: Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, BN3 6LR
  • Stage 3 Mid-Point: Peartree Cottage in Botolphs, BN44 3WB
  • Rest-Stop: Windlesham House School, Pulborough, RH20 4AY
  • Stage 4 Mid-Point: Houghton Farm, Arundel BN18 9LW
  • Finish: Arundel Football Club, Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PA
Event day logistics
Full Challenge
06:45 - 07:00 Runners start
07:00 - 09:00 Joggers & Walkers start
Finish Times
  • Runners - 9-16 hours
  • Joggers - 16-20 hours
  • Walkers - 20-36 hours.
Full Challenge over 2 days
Day 1
06:45 - 07:00 Runners start
07:00 - 09:00 Joggers & Walkers start
Day 2
06:00 - 06:30 Start for all
Finish Times Each Day
  • Runners - 4-8 hours
  • Joggers - 7-10 hours
  • Walkers - 10-16 hours
1st Half Challenge
06:45 - 07:00 Runners start
07:00 - 10:00 Joggers & Walkers start
Finish Times
  • Runners - 4-8 hours
  • Joggers - 7-10 hours
  • Walkers - 10-16 hours
2nd Half Challenge
Saturday
17:00 Join a full challenge runner from this time
Sunday
06:00 - 06:30 Start for all
Finish Times
  • Runners - 4-8 hours
  • Joggers - 7-10 hours
  • Walkers - 10-16 hours
1st Quarter
06:45 - 07:00 Runners start
07:00 - 09:00 Joggers & Walkers start
Finish Times
  • Runners - 2-3 hours
  • Joggers - 3-5 hours
  • Walkers - 4-7 hours
Challenge Options
There are 3 options to enter the event with, Self-Funding, Charity Sponsorship, and Mixed Funding.
Self-Funding: the entrant pays for the entry themselves and does not commit to fundraising for a charity.
Charity Funding: Here, entrants pay a small registration fee and fundraise for a charity of their choice. Entrants will fundraise independently and at least 50% of the commitment will be due to the charity 3 weeks before the event.
It's at this time that the charity pays a fee for your place to the organiser. The remaining 50%, and any extra, should be with your Charity by 4 weeks after the Challenge.
Mixed Funding: This option follows the same structure of the Charity Funding, except you pay half the price of your place, and fundraise a smaller amount for charity. At least 50% of the commitment will be due 3 weeks before the challenge, and the remaining will be due 4 weeks after the event.
Failure to meet the deadlines may result in cancellation by your charity.
If you choose one of the fundraising options the organiser will confirm that with the charity you've selected, and the charity will be in contact to welcome you within 7 - 10 days.
Baggage Transfers
There will be baggage transfer services at the event, which will be paid for in cash on the day. These cannot be pre-booked before the event. The prices are as follows:
  • Full Challenge: Start-HalfWay-Finish £15
  • Full Challenge: Start-Finish £10
  • Half Challenges: Start-Finish £5
  • Quarter Challenges: Start-Finish £5
  • Kit Drop Service: Runners only
Crowds
Spectator Info
Spectators cannot visit the following rest-stops unless it is an emergency:
  • Stage 1 Mid-Point: Birling Gap, East Dean, East Sussex, BN20 0AB
  • Stage 2 Mid-Point: Southease Village Farm, East Sussex, BN7 3HX
  • Mini-Stop: Woodingdean car park, Falmer
  • Stage 3 Mid-Point: Peartree Cottage in Botolphs, BN44 3WB
There are rest-stops with either pay & display parking or supporter parking listed here:
  • Start: Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF
  • Rest Stop: Bank House Farm, Alfriston, BN26 5UG. The Willows public car park
  • Rest Stop - Half Way: Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, BN3 6LR
  • Rest-Stop: Windlesham House School, Pulborough, RH20 4AY
  • Finish: Arundel Football Club, Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PA
FAQs
Will there be toilets at the rest-stops along the way?
Yes, there will be toilets and changing facilities along the way.
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What if I can't finish the course?
There will be shuttles to pick-up retirees along the way.
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Are the meals and snacks included in the price of entry?
Yes, all meals and food at rest-stops is included in the price of entry.
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How does the charity I choose get in touch with me?
If you choose one of the fundraising options when registering, the organiser will confirm that with the charity you've selected, and they will be in contact to welcome you within 7 - 10 days.
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Reviews
5.0
1 reviews
5.0
Did the race in 2016
This is a review of the 2016 edition which has two important elements to keep in mind: August bank holiday and peak summer weather.First I have to say its a superbly well organised event over a wonderful course with stunning views. It was my first Ultra and a great life experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind: (i) The first 15 miles are the toughest in terms of the terrain - there are some vicious short ascents and descents along the cliffs and then you head into a wooded section which chops and changes repeatedly. It's tough to get into a rhythm, so start slow and don't get dispirited. (ii) Much of the course takes you up onto the downs - hard chalk with flints. Make sure you have trained on trails and wear shoes with cushioning and a rock plate(iii) The aid stations have everything, so I'd run with a couple of gels in case but the main requirement is fluid(iv) The 2016 edition was hot. Up on the downs was akin to running across a snow field and my low points were due to heat and glare - hydration, sun screen, visor hat and sunglasses help (v) Brighton - after 35 miles you trot into Brighton in the middle of the August bank holiday. Be prepared for an energy sapping run along the seafront dodging the day trippersThere you have it - it's a great event and I thoroughly recommend it.
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