South Downs Way 100^®

Introduction

The SDW100 is a 100 mile continuous point to point trail race along the South Downs Way, from Winchester to Eastbourne. The race begins at 0600 on Saturday 10th June 2017 and runners must reach the finish line in Eastbourne within 30 hours or by noon on Sunday to be recognised as an official finisher. There are further cut offs on route. 

Course and Trail Conditions

The race starts at Chilcomb Sports Ground, just east of Winchester and the M3. Runners will begin by making one complete circuit of the sports fields before exiting directly onto the South Downs Way trail.   

The South Downs Way is a National Trail maintained by the National Trail Trust together with the various county councils and extends to Eastbourne, 100 miles east of Winchester. The South Downs have recently been classified as a national park and recognised as an area of outstanding beauty.  The trail is open year round to the public, but the route travels along a mixture of private land and public byways. It is absolutely essential that runners respect the people and the land at all times on the course. Much of the South Downs is working farmland and runners will come across countless fields containing sheep and cattle on route. For that reason it is essential that all gates, of which there are 95 in total, must be closed properly. 

The South Downs Way crosses a huge range of terrain types and underfoot conditions vary greatly. The Downs are primarily composed of chalk, which tends to mean the trail is dry and usable year round, but also means the trail is very rough in places with a lot of loose stones and rocks. At times the SDW becomes dirt road, woodland tracks, rocky chalk ascents and descents, grass, mud or in places tarmac. The South Downs are one of the warmest and driest parts of the UK, but they are exposed, sitting high above the surrounding countryside, looking down across the coastline and English Channel in various places. It is therefore relatively easy to spot weather coming from any distance, but runners will be exposed both to whatever weather conditions prevail on the day as well as potentially very high winds. The winds commonly prevail from the West which will assist runners in their direction of travel. It is always possible that the wind may be blowing from any other direction which will hinder progress at certain spots.

All in all the scenery along the SDW is spectacular and there are truly few places more pleasurable to embark on a long distance trail run.

Runners will meet at Chilcomb Sports Ground for the race start at 0600 on Saturday.

1. Course Route: The Run will be a point to point run of 100 miles. 

2. Familiarity: Knowledge of the trail offers both physical and mental advantages. Participants should make a reasonable effort to run as much of the trail as possible before race day. Particular attention should be given to those sections that you expect to run in the dark, when your mental and physical energy may be lagging. 

3. Weather: Temperatures during the race could range from just a few degrees to 35 degrees celcius, participants should be fully prepared for both extremes. Weather conditions are unpredictable and can change rapidly. If it rains the ground will become wet, slippery and in places muddy, presenting a hazard to runners. At times low cloud can shroud the South Downs and reduce visibility to almost zero. It is imerative runners are able to navigate their way to safety under such conditions.

4. Hydration: If it is hot, it will also likely be humid and hydration will be crucial to your safety and enjoyment of the event. Even if it is cold it is extremely important to stay hydrated. The aid stations are positioned such that water is available at regular time intervals, always make sure you have the capacity to carry enough to cover the distance to the next aid station (please see medical notes further down this document on hydration/ salt intake balance). 

5. Trail Markings: Trail markings will consist of reflective red and white tape and Centurion arrows. In places the route will not be marked, because the course travels through open grassland or fields. You must stay alert to the waymarkers and refer your map if necessary. The map is part of your mandatory equipment. We do our best to provide a marked trail, but on occasion, course markings may be removed or vandalised, or course markers may not be able to place signage at a critical turn due to unusual circumstances. Knowledge of the trail, particularly of those miles that will be covered in the dark, will be of infinite benefit to the runner. YOU are ultimately responsible to follow the correct course. 

6. Dropping: If you have to drop out of the race at a point where your crew (if you have one) is unavailable, we will make every reasonable effort to get you to the finish or to the nearest major checkpoint that is still in operation, particularly if you are in need of medical attention. In non-emergency situations, you may have to wait several hours before being transported. Our principal responsibility is to put on a run, not to run a shuttle service for non-finishers; so please be patient. All aid stations have cut offs and will close as soon as the cut off is reached. If runners are still behind on the course when a cut off is reached, the aid station crew will wait for them before departing. We will remain in situ until every runner is accounted for. We will give runners EVERY opportunity to make the cut off but if you are pulled from the race officially, you will have your number removed and should you wish to continue, you will do so at your own risk. A full list of the cut offs can be found under the aid station section.

7. Trail Etiquette: Please be courteous to hikers, mountain bikers, horseriders and other runners. Slower runners must yield the trail to runners wishing to pass. There will be a great deal of other trail users out on the South Downs Way over race weekend. If we want the race to continue we must remain courteous to them at all times. Co-operation on this matter is greatly appreciated. 

8. Volunteers: Volunteers will do everything possible to make your day a success. Many spend more hours out on the trail than do the runners themselves. Please be polite and make a point to thank them. Without the volunteers, there would be no race.  

Rules

All rules are at the final discretion of the race management team. No challenges will be permitted.

1. There will be no unofficial runners. Unofficial runners will be banned from taking part in future Centurion events.

2. Each runners bib number must be worn on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.

3. Runners must follow the marked trail/ course at all times.

4. Each runner must complete the entire course under his or her own power.

5. Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail.

6. Each runner must be checked IN to all aid stations. DO NOT RUN PAST WITHOUT HAVING YOUR NUMBER TAKEN. You will be disqualified if you are not registered together with your time at every aid station.

7. Cut-off times will be strictly enforced. There are additional cut offs at EVERY aid station. Runners reaching the finish after the final cut off will not be listed as official finishers and will not be eligible for awards.

8. In addition to medical information provided by the runner during the online registration process, runners must fully disclose at race registration, changes to existing medical conditions and all prescription medications being taken.

9. Injection of fluids or drugs during the event will result in disqualification.

10. Runners compete in this event entirely at their own risk including but not limited to road crossings, river crossings, level crossings and all other hazards of the trail. There will be a full waiver to sign at registration. Runners refusing to sign the waiver will not be permitted to start.

11. Littering of any kind will result in immediate disqualification. Runners caught littering will be banned from all future Centurion events. Please respect the natural beauty of our trails and the right of everyone to enjoy them. Littering will threaten our use of the trails and the future of the race. 

12. Any runner who is unable to finish the race must personally inform the aid station captain of the nearest checkpoint of his decision to withdraw. HE OR SHE MUST HAND IN HIS RACE NUMBER TO THE AID STATION CAPTAIN AT THAT TIME. This serves as official notice of a runner’s withdrawal from the race. Runners who leave the course without turning in their number will be classified as “lost,” initiating serach and rescue, for which the runner will be charged. 

13. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews and pacers. If your crew or pacer are deemed to have broken any of the runner race rules or separate rules for crew or pacers, the runner will be held accountable. Your crew act on YOUR behalf and based on YOUR instructions.

14. Minimum Entry Age is 21. 

15. Pacers are welcome to accompany 100 mile runners at any stage after Chantry Post, the 51 mile crew location BUT not more than one pacer can accompany a runner at any time. Pacers may accompany runners on foot only. See separate rules for pacers in the infopacks.

16. Runners must carry with them AT ALL TIMES the mandatory equipment required. 

There will be kit checks prior, during and after the race. Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times. A time penalty of one hour will be imposed for any item found to be missing at any point on course. Please refer to this page for explanations on the inclusion of the below items. 

There are many options regards kit for fulfilling these requirements and those of other events. We stock what we believe to be the best options at our online store available by clicking here under the Mandatory Gear Section. Please ask us if you have any questions.

• Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
• Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
• Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
• Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 10000mm+ & must have sealed seams. 
• Whistle
• Headtorch or Primary Light Source (Required from Washington Onwards)
• Back Up Light source - Minimum 25 Lumens (Required from Washington Onwards)
• Base layer or fleece top - This must be carried separately from the start and kept dry, for use only in an emergency. Starting in 2 layers is not a substitute.
• The race is cupless which means you must bring a cup with you. Soft cups are available at the store here. 

Strongly recommended but not mandatory: 

• Route Map - Should be a hard copy that you are able to navigate from and not a map on your phone
• Compass - This should be a separate physical compass and not electronic/ on your phone. 

17. There will be mandatory gear checks at the start, on route, or at the finish. Failure to comply with the gear checks will result in disqualification. 

18. Runners are not to be accompanied by dogs at any time whilst on course. 

The South Downs Way is used by many different groups. Please be aware of other people whilst you are running and be as polite and courteous as possible to them, making way when necessary. All gates must be properly closed after you have gone through.
 If you need to drop out of the race, it is your responsibility to get back to where you need to get to. If you have to drop please do so where possible at an aid station. Please either inform the aid station captain or call the Race HQ on the number provided at check in as soon as you decide to withdraw from the race. Please inform the aid station captain on arrival that you intend to drop and whether you need assistance. The Aid Station Captains will inform you if it is possible to get transport to the finish with the course sweeper bus. It may be that you have to wait some considerable time so please be patient with the volunteers. If it is imperative that you get away immediately you will be given other options involving local transport services.

RULE VIOLATION PROCEDURE 

Any protests to a ruling or of a runner to runner violation must be submitted by a registered entrant and must be lodged using the following procedure: 

1. Report the alleged violation to the runner, his/her crew or pacer as the incident occurs. Enlist a fellow witness to the alleged violation if possible. 

2. Report the alleged violation with the runner’s name and number to the next available aid station staff. 

3. Report the alleged violation in writing at the finish line to the race director. All protests must be submitted by 6pm on Monday following the race. Written protest must include the name of the person who lodged the complaint. 

4. Decision on all violations and rules is at the final discretion of the Race Management ONLY. There will be no challenges after that decision.

Support Crews

Crews are in no way essential at this event, we look after you with fully stocked aid stations, medical support and plenty of volunteers to help you on your way. However, having a crew can provide a psychological lift and ensure that you have the food and drink you prefer and changes of clothing along the way. 

A separate tab for crew accessible locations is available here. 

Crews must follow all of the rules and regulations of the race, including the Rules, Rules for Crews and any supplementary instructions issued in pre-race memos or at the race briefing. All crew members must willingly comply with all instructions from race staff at all points along the trail and its access routes, including parking regulations, or risk disqualification of their runner. 

The runner is directly responsible for all of the actions of his or her crew throughout the duration of the event.

RULES FOR CREWS 

A crew member is defined as any individual who provides material support to a runner during the event. 

Crews may meet runners or assist them ONLY at the points listed on the crew info page here. The aid station locations and many other points on the course are remote and too small to handle ANY additional parking. If your crew do assist you outside of the permitted points, you the runner will be disqualified. PLEASE ensure your crew do not break this rule - you will threaten the future of the race by doing so. YOU are responsible for the actions of your crew. We cannot make this any clearer, if your crew attend anywhere outside areas deemed as permitted crew access, you risk disqualification from the event. We get people every year who are fully aware of the rules and continue to disobey them. It threatens the future of the event so please ask them not to do it. 

Crews must always drive at safe speeds. 

Crews must never park illegally on the road, or in such a way as to block traffic, access to the trail or checkpoint, or other parked cars. 

Littering of any kind at any checkpoint, along the trail, or at the finish line is strictly prohibited. 

NOTE: Please also ask your supporters to meet you only at the designated crew locations. The reason for restricting access to certain points, is predominantly parking and noise limitations, hence supporting is as much of an issue in sensitive areas as crewing.

NOTES FOR CREWS 

A daypack can be helpful in transporting supplies to your runner. 

Crews should be equipped with torches and first aid kits. 

As the day progresses, crews should take care of themselves as well as they take care of their runners. Adequate hydration, regular meals and appropriate clothing will keep crew members happier, stronger and focused on the needs of their runner. 

RUNNERS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THEIR CREWS AND PACERS

Pacers

RUNNERS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF YOUR CREW AND PACERS. THEIR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES MAY RESULT IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE RACE. Ensure that they read the rules carefully. 

A pace runner may accompany a runner on the trail during the race but only from Chantry Post crew location or Washington aid station onwards. Pacers are allowed solely as a safety consideration for fatigued runners. Absolutely no physical or mechanical aid may be given by the pacer to assist the runner over difficult sections of the trail except in medical emergencies. 

Pacers should be experienced trail runners in excellent physical shape and conditioned adequately to run in potentially difficult weather conditions over considerable distances. Most pacing will be done during night time hours and early morning; so pacers should be warmly dressed, used to running with flashlights, and familiar with the trail. Pacers should be adequately supplied with flashlights, food and water. They may accept aid at the aid stations. 

RULES FOR PACE RUNNERS 

1. A pace runner is any individual who accompanies an entrant for any distance greater than 100 yards at one time. 

2. One pacer at a time may accompany each runner from Chantry Post, the 51 mile crew location through to the finish but no pacers are permitted of ANY KIND prior to the runner reaching that location. 

3. Pacers must hand over/ meet runners only at the locations listed on the crew instructions page.  

4. Multiple pacers are allowed but NO MORE THAN ONE PACER may accompany the runner at any time. 

5. Pacers must be at least 18 years of age.

6. Pacers can travel ON FOOT ONLY and must enter and leave each aid station with their runners. 

7. No mechanical or physical assistance may be given by the pacer to the runner at any time. 

8. Please respect the trails; littering of any kind is strictly prohibited. 

PACERS MUST COMPLY WITH ALL RUN RULES AND REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE RULES, RULES FOR PACERS AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM RACE STAFF.

Medical

The SDW100 is an extremely challenging event and participation in it presents numerous medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious or fatal. MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. 

Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although race management has medical personnel at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the trail will make it difficult or impossible for medical assistance to reach the runner immediately. You, the runner, must be responsible at all times for your own safety and wellbeing. The information below will help you towards that. Please familiarise yourself with it. 

Medical support at the race is under the direction of the Race Medical Director who’s details to be used in an emergency will be made available to all runners at registration, further to that of the Race Director. 

At any one time during the race there will be a minium of two ambulances/ medical support cars on call. There will also be a static medical team at the finish line from the time of the first finisher to the time of the last. In addition there will be medical crews or first aiders at some of the major aid stations. 

Sweepers follow the final runners in the field and work through the aid stations as the cut offs pass. They are there for your safety but are not medically trained.

It is important for each entrant to recognise the potential physical and mental stresses, which may evolve from participation in the race. Runners may be subject to extremes of heat and cold, hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, disorientation and mental and physical exhaustion. Run Management and the medical staff strive to work with runners. They will do all they reasonably can to ensure “safe passage” to the finish line, but ultimately runners must understand their own limitations. Adequate physical and mental conditioning prior to the Run is mandatory. If you have not been able to prepare properly, do not attempt to run. 

Runners should appreciate the risks associated with participation in this event. Actions may have to be taken on your behalf under extreme time constraints and adverse circumstances. We will make every effort to give assistance whenever possible but ultimately and primarily you are in charge, and you are likely to be solely responsible for creating your own crisis that we must then respond to. Be careful, be responsible, and do not exceed your own abilities and limitations. IN THE EVENT THAT A RUNNER REQUIRES EMERGENCY EVACUATION, THE RUNNER ASSUMES ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS CONNECTED WITH THIS SERVICE. RACE MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEBTS INCURRED. Please make sure you have insurance to cover this prior to race day.

Some of the main risks, but certainly not all of them, are listed here. These should be understood and remembered by all runners, before and during the event. Please note that death can result from several of the risk conditions discussed below. 

1. Renal Shutdown: Renal shutdown occurs from muscle tissue injury which causes the release of myoglobin, a protein material, into the blood plasma. Myoglobin is cleared from the blood stream by the kidneys and will look brownish-colored in the urine. Adequate hydration will help flush myoglobin through the kidneys. Overwhelming amounts of myoglobin may clog the filtering system of the kidneys either partially or totally. If not treated, renal shutdown can cause permanent impairment of kidney function. IT IS CRUCIAL TO CONTINUE HYDRATING USING ELECTROLYTE FLUIDS DURING THE FINAL HOURS OF THE RUN AND FOR SEVERAL HOURS/ DAYS FOLLOWING THE RUN OR UNTIL THE URINE IS LIGHT YELLOW AND OF NORMAL FREQUENCY. There is extensive research to support the claim that NSAIDs (ie. ibuprofen/ tylenol etc) greatly increase a runners chances of reaching a stage of renal shutdown. We will not provide Ibuprofen at any aid station and you are strongly advised not to take it during or immediately after the run. More information on this subject can be obtained by contacting the race director. 

2. Heat Stroke/Hyperthermia: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks. These conditions can cause death, kidney failure and brain damage. It is important that runners be aware of the symptoms of impending heat injury. These include but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, faintness, irritability, lassitude, confusion, weakness, and rapid heart rate. Impending heat stroke may be preceded by a decrease in sweating and the appearance of goose bumps Runners may need to drink continually during this event, depending on the heat factor and individual differences. In addition to drinking at checkpoints, runners will need to carry fluids between checkpoints. It is strongly advised that runners carry two water supplies, a constant use supply and a back up supply so as to avoid running out of water on the trail. To accurately measure fluid intake and output balance, weigh yourself before and after your training runs. This will help you establish your personal fluid requirements (especially during the heat of the day). Remember to replace lost electrolytes lost from sweat along with lost fluids. Every runner has different needs that should be determined during training. It is more likely to be extremely cold, than extremely hot due to the time of year of the event, but even in mild temperatures, all of the above conditions are very real dangers. 

3. Risks Associated with Low Sodium and Chloride Counts: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) in ultramarathon runners have been associated with severe illness requiring hospitalization. It is important for long-distance athletes to use fluids containing electrolytes to replace the water and salts lost during exercise. WATER INTAKE ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, as water intoxication and possibly death may result. This problem may in fact worsen after the Race, as the non-electrolyte-containing fluid which has been accumulating in the stomach is absorbed. Potassium and calcium replacement may also be important, although these levels change less with fluid loss and replenishment. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include; weight gain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness, muscle twitching/cramping and fatigue. If left untreated, it may progress to seizures, pulmonary and cerebral edema, coma and death. There are two ways to put oneself at risk of hyponatremia; 1) over-hydration (with water or even electrolyte-containing sports drinks) and 2) replacing sweat with hypotonic fluids. Risks of hyponatremia include weight gain and low sweat rate. 

Risks of hyponatremia can be minimised by eating salted foods a few days prior to the Run, matching fluid and electrolyte intake to sweat losses and monitoring weight. The best way to achieve proper electrolyte and fluid balance is to hydrate with fluids containing proper amounts of electrolytes and to replace with sodium-containing foods or supplements, if required, and as determined during your training. Electrolyte fluids should be consumed for a good period (a few hours) after the Run. Once the gut is working and adequate hydration has occurred, the normal balance of thirst, hunger, digestion and kidney filtration will maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes. Water or dilute sports drinks should be consumed only after the onset of urination. 

4. Effects of Cold/Hypothermia: Temperatures may drop well below 0 Degrees Centigrade during the day and particularly the night portion of the Run. Hypothermia is a serious risk, especially at night and in the wet since one’s energy reserves will have been depleted from 20 or more hours of running. Hypothermia can strike very quickly, particularly when pace slows from exhaustion or injury. The initial warning signs of hypothermia often include lethargy, disorientation and confusion. The runner will feel very cold with uncontrolled shivering and may become confused, unaware of the surroundings, and may possibly be an immediate danger to his or herself. Staying well-nourished, adequately hydrated and appropriately clothed will help avoid hypothermia. It is essential that runners carry warm clothing with them at all times on the course and where possible to have access to warm clothing through their support crews, drop bags, or preferably both. 

5. Vehicle Hazards: Much of the trail is near to, crosses or travels along roads. There are therefore several areas on the course where runners and pacers must be watchful for automobiles. Runners cross all roads at their own risk. Some of the roads are very busy and extreme care must be taken. You the runner must take responsibility for staying alert to the dangers of oncoming traffic. 

6. Use of Drugs: No drugs of any kind should be taken before, during or immediately after the Run. Many drugs can increase the risk of heat stroke. A partial list of problem drugs include amphetamines, tranquilizers, and diuretics. 

7. Injuries from Falling: Falling is an ever-present danger on trails, with potentially serious consequences. Much of the trail is narrow, uneven and rutted and there are some sections of stairs where particular attention is required. 

8. Overuse Injuries: Obviously, innumerable overuse injuries can occur, especially in the knee and the ankle. Sprains and fractures can easily occur on the trails. Blisters may also halt progress. 

9. Common Fatigue: One of the dangers you will encounter is fatigue. Fatigue, combined with the effects of dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia and other debilitating conditions can produce disorientation and irrationality. 

10. Difficulty in Gaining Access to or Locating Injured Participants: Much of the trail is inaccessible by motor vehicle. Accordingly, in spite of the many layers of safety precautions instituted by Run Management (including radio communications, foot patrols, and other emergency services and medical personnel at many checkpoints), there is absolutely no assurance that aid or rescue assistance will arrive in time to give you effective assistance should you become sick, incapacitated or injured. 

What to do in a Medical Emergency:

If there is a problem and you need the Medical Team either to attend or just for advice, call: 07040 900 402 at ANY time during the event. 

This will put you through to the Event Medical Team Leader who will co-ordinate any response and/or give advice, Our team will be happy to talk you through Emergency Aid Procedures on the phone whilst they are on their way to you. 

If you are ill/injured or have found someone who is ill/injured and need the medical team to attend your location, we’ll need to know the following: 

- Your Phone Number (In case we need to call you back) 

- Where You Are (Preferably Sat-Nav’able Location, e.g. Outside the Church on South Street in Redhill or 1 Mile along the route from where it crosses the A3), we’re also able to access Lat/Long if you have a GPS with that capability. 

- Your name and/or Runner Number and that of the Casualty if Different. 

- What’s wrong? What do you need the medical team for? 

- If you are not the casualty, but have found them, please stay with them until help arrives, whilst this may impact on your personal best, at least you’ll have a good excuse

Make the casualty as visible as possible and keep them warm, It is mandatory for each runner to carry a “Foil Blanket” which should be used if you're in any doubt at all. 

Do not allow the casualty to move UNLESS they are in an unsafe position, e.g. in the middle of a busy road and there is no other option. 

Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink until the medical team arrive as they may require surgery or medical procedures at hospital and food/drink will delay this being able to happen. 

Be ready to flag down the Medical Team when they are close by. 

The phone used to call the Medical Team must remain with the casualty until the medical team arrives, if we’re having difficulty finding you, we will call you back. 

Calling 999 

General Rule: If the Casualty is NOT BREATHING, is likely to STOP BREATHING imminently, call 999 for the Ambulance Service, then the Event Medical Team (We ask that you call both because we may be close by and can assist until the 999 Service Arrives), for all other Injuries/Illnesses, call the Event Medical Team on the above number FIRST and we’ll take it from there. 

If you just need advice, give the Medical Team a call on the number above, or speak to one of the marshalls. 

Non-Medical Risks and Dangers

There are other significant risks to runners during the race which do not fall under the medical category. The major ones are listed here and all runners should be aware of these prior to race day. 

1. Social Hazards. The Trail makes its way through many small towns and villages as well as many more remote sections of countryside. There is always the opportunity for undesirable characters to be on or around the trail and the chance that they may cause trouble for runners. For that reason we advise all runners to avoid running alone at night. Runners who want to listen to music should use headphones during the daylight sections only and be aware of their surroundings at all times on the trail. We recommend for all runners to have a pacer from Washington onwards if they can. From there onwards, aid stations captains will offer those that want it, the option of buddying up with other runners, right through to the finish. If you are in any doubt, wait for the next runner to come through and traverse the next section with them. You can then either await another buddy runner arrival or continue on.

2. Road Crossings. As mentioned frequently throughout this document, there are many road crossings, busy road junctions to negotiate and sections of the trail that travel along roads. The junctions will NOT be marshalled. You the runner must be alert and aware at all times when emerging on to roads. We advise all runners to recce the route prior to race day, particularly the sections they will negotiate at night and make themselves familiar with the road crossing on the route. It is YOUR responisibility as a runner to navigate all road crossings safely.

3. Getting lost. Whilst the course is marked, runners must be prepared to follow the National Trail waymarkers as the principal source of navigation, remembering that the acorn is the symbol of the National Trail. The South Downs Way is the major trail through this area. Run Management does its best to provide a marked trail, but it is necessary for runners to continually remain alert as they travel. In places, the SDW travels through large open fields or hillsides where it is impossible to place markers. Furthermore, on occasion, course markings may be removed or vandalised, or Run management cannot place signage at a critical turn on Run day due to unusual circumstances. Knowledge of the trail, particularly of those miles that will be covered in the dark, will be of infinite benefit to the runner. YOU are ultimately responsible to follow the correct course. The course will be marked with tape, directional arrows and glow sticks (all three will be displayed to runners at the briefing) but these are out in the open and may be removed or vandalised during the course of the event. If you do lose the route, return to the last marker point you saw on the trail and make your way once again from there. If you are still unsure, wait for another runner to come through who might have experience of the course first hand. We recommend that all runners run as much of the route as possible prior to race day. 

Aid Stations

ALL AID STATION LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UP TO AND INCLUDING RACE DAY. 

All aid stations carry as a minimum: Water, Coke, Gu Energy Gels, Fruit, Chocolate, Sweets, Chocolate, Wraps, Sandwiches, Nuts etc

Many of the aid station volunteers have either ultrarunning or medical experience and have been fully briefed as to what runners will require during the race. The aid stations are well stocked with fluids and a variety of foods. The fluids that are generally available are: Water and Coke. Some aid stations may also be serving hot food and drinks (listed below). The foods that are generally available are: Salt replacement foods, a limited number of GU energy gels, fruit, cookies, chocolate bars, jelly babies, nuts, sandwichs, wraps etc. 

The use of Ibuprofen can lead to kidney problems when used in abundance and/or under stressful conditions such as running long distance races. We will not provide these medications at our aid stations. If you feel the need to bring and use your own pain medications or anti-inflammatories, then you are willing to assume the responsibility for their use.

Without the assistance of the volunteers and race medics, there would be no race. Many of these volunteers have spent days preparing for the run and will be out on the course for over 28 hours assisting runners. They have given up their weekend to insure you the best possible chance of success. Courtesy and sincere thanks from the runners will go a long way to help make their day.

Dropbags

Transportation of drop bags will be possible to the locations listed below. This service is provided to aid crewless runners. Those with adequate support are asked not to overload our volunteers with unnecessary drop bags. 

Drop bags must be securely tied, labelled clearly with the runner’s name, the aid station the drop bag is to go to and entry number. A separate drop bag is required for each aid station, not one for all as they will be transported only to the aid station written on them and then the finish. Drop bags must be deposited at registration. Runners are limited to one drop bag per permitted aid station. Pacers are not allowed drop bags. Please do not use paper bags, shoe boxes, or anything made of paper-like products. These can get wet and tear easily. 

Drop bags must NOT exceed 30cm x 20cm x 20cm in size ie. the size of a shoe box for any one aid station - with the exception of the finish line bag which may be larger (up to a standard kit bag size).  

Drop Bag Locations are: 

1. Mile 54: Washington

2. Mile 76: Housedean Farm

3. Mile 100: Finish at Eastbourne

Drop bags will be transported to the finish line for 10am on Sunday. Drop bags not collected at the finish by noon on Sunday, will be disposed of.

Cut Offs

Cut-off and “pace” times are listed on the Aid Station Chart. Cut-off times reflect the deadlines for LEAVING the aid station. If you return to an aid station after the cut-off, you will be WITHDRAWN from the Run. The cut-off times will be strictly enforced by the Course Sweep Manager and aid station teams. Anyone leaving an aid station after the cut-off time will be disqualified. This rule is for the safety of all participants. There is NO NEGOTIATION on the cut off times. If you miss a cut off it is because you are travelling too slowly to reach the finish line within the alloted 30 hours.

IF YOU MISS THE CUT-OFF EVEN BY A MINUTE, YOU MUST STOP. Significant sanctions will apply to anyone breaking this rule. If you miss a cut off you must hand in your race number to the aid station, at which point you are officially withdrawn from the race. Please do not argue with our aid station volunteers, they are there of their own good will.

Awards

All entrants who finish the Run in full accordance with the rules qualify for awards given in recognition of their achievement. 

1. All finishers in under 24:00:00 hours will receive a 100 MILES - ONE DAY finishers buckle and finishers t shirt. 

2. All finishers in under 30:00:00 hours will receive a 100 MILE FINISHER buckle and finishers t shirt. 

nb. Runners crossing the finish line after the 30:00:00 hour cutoff will not be listed as official finishers. 

The male and female overall winners will be awarded the Centurion Trophy. 

Schedule

Friday 9th June

6pm – 9pm - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• Runner Check in & bib collection 

• Drop Bag deposit open

• Camping area open

6pm-6:30pm - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• 1 mile kids race registration

6:30pm - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• 1 mile kids race

Saturday 10th June

4:30am - 5:30am - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• Runner Check in and bib collection

• Drop Bag deposit open

5:30am - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• Race registration closes

• Mandatory race briefing

6am - Chilcomb Sports Ground

• 100 Mile Race start

Sunday 11th June

8am - Noon - Eastbourne Sports Club

• Drop Bags available for collection at the finish.

Noon- Eastbourne Sports Club

• 100 mile 30 hour cut off

12:15pm- Eastbourne Sports Club

• Shuttle buses leave for transfer back to Chilcomb Sports Ground/ Start