Trail running
From rolling chalk downland to wooded heaths, the South Downs National Park is home to some of the best trail running in southern England.
There’s a full calendar of trail and road events that take place in the National Park, including the Beachy Head marathon, considered by many to be one of the toughest marathons in the United Kingdom with some 1100m of elevation gain over the 42 mile course.
If you find the traditional marathon a bit too tame, Centurion Running organises two very popular ultra-races on the South Downs Way, the South Downs 50 mile and 100 mile events.
However, for those looking to get started with running on trails, Queen Elizabeth Country Park hosts a weekly 5km ParkRun at 9am every Saturday.
It’s not just about the races. She Runs Outdoors and Karibu running clubs organise various guided runs in the National Park throughout the year.
Whatever your speed or distance, you’ll be sure to find adventure in the South Downs.