South Downs Way 50^®

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

There will be kit checks prior to the race as well as potientially during and at the finish. 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. 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 
• Back Up Light source - Minimum 25 Lumens 
• Warm Hat - Beanie Hat or Buff (either are accepted)
• Gloves 
• Long sleeved 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.  

#	Rule	Runner Action	Penalty
1	There will be no unofficial runners.	Unofficial Runners/ Running without a registration or Running under another name	Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
2	Each runners bib number must be worn on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.	Bib number not visible on front	One Hour Penalty
3	Runners must follow the marked trail/ course at all times. Any runner caught deliberately cutting the course will be banned from taking part in future Centurion events.	Short-cutting the route knowingly	At the RD's Discretion
4	Each runner must complete the entire course under his or her own power.	Receiving powered assistance ie. vehicular, bike, horse, or short rope from pacer	DQ and Lifetime Ban
5	Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail.	Storing Supplies along the trail	Two Hour Penalty
6	Each runner must be checked IN to all aid stations. You will be disqualified if your time is not registered at every aid station.	Check In at All Aid Stations	At the RD's Discretion
7	Cut-off times will be strictly enforced. There are cut offs at EVERY aid station. Runners leaving any aid station after the cut off will not be listed as official finishers and will not be eligible for awards.	Continuing/ leaving aid station after cut off	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
8	Injection of PEDs or Fluids/ IVs by non-official race medical personnel	Injection of PEDs or Fluids/ IVs by non-official race medical personnel	DQ and Lifetime Ban
9	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.	Littering by competitor or crew	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
10	Any runner who is unable to finish the race must personally inform the aid station captain of the nearest checkpoint of their decision to withdraw. HE OR SHE MUST HAND IN THEIR RACE NUMBER AND TRACKER 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 and tracker will be classified as “lost,” initiating serach and rescue.	Not informing organisers of withdrawal from event	DQ and ban at race directors discretion
11	Crews are not permitted at any time.	Crew assisting runner	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
12	Minimum age on race day - 20	Providing false information relating to age on registration form	Lifetime Ban
13	Pacers are not permitted at any time	Pacers accompanying runners	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
14	Runners must carry with them AT ALL TIMES the mandatory equipment required.	Missing Item of Mandatory Kit	Minimum of 1 hour penalty per missing item
15	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.	Refusal to have obligatory equipment checked	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion
16	Runners are not to be accompanied by dogs at any time whilst on course.	Accompanied by dog	DQ
17	Any athlete who has been determined to have violated anti-doping rules at any time - through IAAF, the World Anti-Doping Agency, UK Anti Doping or any other National Sports Federation is ineligible for entry into any of our events. We reserve the right to conduct pre and post-competition testing for any and all performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) listed on the current WADA Prohibited List. Any athlete who refuses to submit to anti-doping controls, if selected for testing, shall be disqualified and subject to a lifetime ban from our events.	Previous Doping Infraction or refusal to comply with testing if selected.	DQ and Lifetime Ban
18	Runners must at all times comply with any instruction given by race management, staff and volunteers.	Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race staff, doctors or rescue personnel.	DQ & Lifetime Ban at RD Discretion

The South Downs Way is used by, but not limited to, horse riders, walkers and mountain bikers. Please be aware of other people whilst you are running and be as polite and courteous as possible to them, making way when necessary, particularly to horses. You do not have priority over any other users out on the course, most will be totally unaware of the event taking place. All gates must be properly closed after you have gone through.

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 or his/her crew 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.