UK Ultra Dark Downs 50K & Half Marathon 2026

The Dark Downs begins at Plumpton Racecourse, near Lewes, sending participants into the South Downs as daylight fades. This 50K loop is structured around a dusk-to-dawn schedule. The primary race consists of 95% trail and 5% road, featuring approximately 4,400 feet of elevation change, making it a runnable course rather than a flat one. A half marathon is also offered within the series, but the 50K is the featured event based on available details. Participants have 12 hours to complete the distance, with a minimum age of 20 for the 50K and no prior qualification needed. The course follows the South Downs' undulating, largely non-technical trails, a factor amplified by the fact that all participants navigate in darkness. Reflective markers guide the way, and a mandatory GPS tracker and four aid stations are provided. The race commences and concludes at the same racecourse, offering complimentary overnight camping post-event. The South Downs' designation as a Dark Sky Reserve enhances the night format; on clear nights, the sky becomes a significant draw, not merely a background. The 50K also contributes to the South Downs 50K Triple Crown for those competing in that series.