All runners must carry a mobile phone and the organisers must be given the number prior to the start of the race Numbers will be issued on the day and must be displayed on the front of each runner.

The race starts at 10am at the bandstand in Eastbourne, takes the coastal path of the SDW over Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, then follows the SDW to Winchester. It is approximately 103 miles long with 13,600 feet of ascent mostly over chalk paths, fields, woods and roads. The full distance must be completed on foot.  The South Downs Way is way-marked throughout. There will be no additional route markers for the event except for the diversion to the CP at Amberley. All runners must provide and carry their own map of the complete route during the event. Any deviation from the route may lead to disqualification.

The race is intended to be self-sufficient. There will be some food and drink on offer at 8 checkpoints (including a hot meal at halfway), but runners are responsible for ensuring they are carrying sufficient food and water, and being aware of the water supply points on the route including those at checkpoints.  Baggage transport to the midway checkpoint and then on to finish will be provided. There is no support on route between checkpoints – the race has no sweeper or bike marshalls. All runners must notify an official immediately on retiring, preferably at a checkpoint, otherwise on one of the two race HQ numbers issued prior to the race start. There will be no guarantee of transport for retiring runners, however we will try to take you from a checkpoint to the nearest train station at the marshall’s convenience, likely to be when the checkpoint closes. There is no first aid or medical backup.

Cut off time for finishing is 32 hours, with additional cut offs at each checkpoint. Runners must reach all checkpoints within the published times. Any runner arriving after a checkpoint has closed will not be permitted to continue under any circumstances.

There is a rail crossing at Southease which is by the first checkpoint. If runners arrive at a red light they MUST NOT CROSS THE LINES until the light has turned green. Anyone who disregards a marshall's warning by the crossing will be disqualified immediately.  Ultra racing is a potentially hazardous sport. Provide your own insurance cover if required.   The SDW crosses and travels along many roads. These will not be marshalled.  Your safety is your responsibility

                                                          Countryside Code

                                                          Water Supply points