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 & downs lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an amazing 100 km journey. You’ll get full support & hospitality all the way – and with half & quarter distance options available – there’s a South Coast Ultra Challenge for everyone!
Choose your Challenge, support your charity – do it at your pace, and there are 20 events in the Series with distance options to suit all! The ‘famous’ Ultra Challenge support enables you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors & camaraderie. There are marquee rest stops, lots of food & drink, medical & massage teams, with a fully signed route to guide you. A big finish-line celebration awaits with an amazing sense of achievement, and once the aches subside you’ll feel energised, and up for more of life’s real challenges!
Good preparation & smart planning are key, and from the moment you sign up you’ll have access to our Challenge App – with training guides, optional training walks, maps, online forums, and the latest news & updates.
Rest Stops every ~12.5 km with ‘major’ ones every ~25 km, and are much more than the shaky gazebo with water that you see on some events. We’ve marquee cover, large medical & welfare tents, catering services, seating areas for recovery, changing rooms, and a friendly welcome!
There’re pink arrows to guide you, distance markers, glow-sticks at night, hazard signs, and a route map in the App. Our ‘Trek Masters’ organise group departures at night so nobody has to walk solo. Our chip timing system enables our Control Room, and your friends / family, to track your progress through the Rest Stops.
Keeping you well fed & hydrated is key. We pride ourselves on the quantity & quality of our catering, and meals, snacks & drinks are included!
We’ve experienced Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists, and Massage Teams at Rest Stops. There’re ‘Self Help’ areas with blister plasters, talc, Vaseline, and tape if you want to patch your own feet. Our mobile Emergency Medical Teams are only a phone call away, via our 24 hour Control Room
We don’t want you to forget that finish-line moment – our Cheer Squad will ensure you won’t! You’ll get a medal, finisher’s T-shirt, and a glass of fizz, before heading to a BBQ and a well earned rest. Download your official Challenge certificate when you’re ready.
There’re shuttles to local train stations for onward travel, and most finish lines have parking so supporters can meet you. We’ve bus ‘transfers’ to / back to key venues (eg the start) – and check out the ‘Bookable Extras’ for details of all transport options.
Whether you’re a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner after UTMB points – there’s an Ultra Challenge® for you! Walk, Jog, or Run – as an Individual or a Team, for a charity of your choice or just for you. The South Coast Ultra Challenge is fun, safe, and rewarding – with full support all the way, enabling you to push yourself further in stunning coastal scenery.
£199 Fee paid online
£139 Fee paid online
£89 Fee paid online
A range of optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier.
Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first, then you can book any optional extras later / separately.
You can also claim your free parking by clicking the button and booking a permit.
You must be 18 or over (on the day of the challenge) if taking on a Full Challenge (~100km) or Three Quarter Challenge (~75km); 16+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Half Challenge (~50km ), 14+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Quarter Challenge (~25km) or Marathon); for a Half Marathon aged 12+ and accompanied by an adult; 8+ & accompanied by an adult for a 10km/mile Challenge; and finally 4+ & accompanied by an adult for a 5kM Challenge
Under 18s taking part must be signed up by someone over 18.
You’ll receive a ‘transaction receipt’ (via email) along with a Confirmation Email. This will detail any next steps, timelines you need to be aware of, and how & where to find all the info / details you’ll need for your Challenge. (NOTE– If you don’t receive that e mail within 12 hours, please check your spam/junk mail folders)
You will receive your e-ticket between 10 and 14 days before the challenge takes place. (NOTE– If you haven’t received your e-ticket within 7 days of the challenge, please check your spam/junk mail folders and let your designated event coordinator know)
Self funding places close for online registration on the Tuesday before each challenge.
Visit the ‘HELP CENTRE’ on the Ultra Challenge Website:
If you still need additional help or guidance – you can contact the Ultra Challenge Team at:
Tel: 0207 609 6695
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.
~100 km & ~2100 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for you r own planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
4 available
Day 1 ~57 km & ~1250 m
Day 2 ~43 km & ~850 m
Day 1 – 7 Sept 2024
Day 2 – 8 Sept 2024
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for you r own planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
4 available (2 for each day)
The 1st Half South Coast Challenge is a tough 57 km 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.
~57 km & ~1250 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for you r own planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
2 available
~43 km & ~850 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for you r own planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
2 available
The 1st Quarter South Coast Challenge is a 25 km 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.
~25 km & ~660 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for you r own planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details