South Downs Way 50km^®

Introduction

The SDW50km is a 50km non-stop foot race through the South Downs National Park. The South Downs boast stunning rolling hills, ancient forts, picturesque villages and expansive views across Southern England. First Annual. 

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Course and Trail Conditions

The course travels along the chalk ridgeway, starting just outside of Winchester, the capital city of Saxon England, in the incredible natural amphitheatre of Matterley Bowl. The course sits entirely within the South Downs National Park. with the majority on the South Downs Way National Trail - until the finish in the incredible Event Field at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The South Downs tower over Southern England affording runners awe inspiring views north across the Weald and south across the coast and the Channel.

The route has 4000 feet of climb, and 4000 feet of descent and is 80% off road with a mixture of single track, double track and gravel.

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

Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times. 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
• Cup - this must be in addition to your flasks or bladder

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.

The footpaths, bridleways and roads on the course are 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.

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Supporters, Crews and Pacers

Please see the video here for details on what the terms crews, pacers and supporters mean and where and when the three groups are permitted at our events.

Crews are not permitted at this event.

Pacers are not permitted at this event.

Supporters are welcome to attend Matterley Bowl and support runners coming through CP1 (next to race registration) and also at the Finish. We ask supporters please not to attend any of the other check points via vehicle - they are all in tiny villages.

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Medical

The South Downs Way 50km is a challenging event at a time of year where conditions can be varied. Participation presents numerous medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious.

Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although medical personnel are positioned 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. 

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. 

The medical team on site for the weekend is provided by Code Blue Medical Services. At any one time during the race there will be at least two roving teams out on the course. There will also be a static medical team at the FInish. 

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. 

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 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. 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 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. Vehicle Hazards: There are multiple areas on the course where runners must be watchful for vehicles. Road crossings are not marshalled.

4. Use of Drugs: No drugs of any kind should be taken before, during or immediately after the race. 

5. 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 some sections are very steep. The course may be covered with sitting water, snow or ice which will create significant challenges and potential hazards to runners. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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 the race management (including radio communications, sweepers, 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: 07421 005671 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. 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. 

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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 course makes its way through remote sections of trail. 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. Runners who want to listen to music should use headphones should be aware of their surroundings at all times on the trail.

2. Getting lost. Race staff and the volunteers do their best to provide a marked trail, but it is necessary for runners to continually remain alert as they travel. Access to the GPX file of the route on your device, or a map of the course, is advised. 

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Aid Stations

These type of running events survive because of the incredible volunteers who work the aid stations. Without them there would be no race.

The aid stations are well stocked with fluids and a variety of foods. The fluids that are generally available are Water, Tailwind and Coke. The foods that are generally available are fruit, cookies, chocolate bars, jelly babies, crisps, nuts, a limited number of Gu energy gel packets, sandwiches, wraps etc. There will be hot food at the finish. 

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 over both Friday and Saturday, 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.

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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 race. The cut-off times will be strictly enforced by the 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. 

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Awards

Medal to Finishers only. 

Runners crossing the finish line after the 9 hour cutoff will not be listed as official finishers and will not be eligible for awards.

Additional prizes will be awarded to First/ Second/ Third place Male and Female. 

Winners of each age category will also be awarded prizes: M40, M50, M60, M70 and F40, F50, F60, F70. 

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Schedule

Friday 13th June

1730 Onwards - Matterley Bowl

• Camping area open

1800-1830 - Matterley Bowl

• Kids 1 mile Registration

1830 - Matterley Bowl

• Kids 1 mile

Saturday 14th June

0630 - QECP

• Parking area opens

0730 - QECP

• Coach departs QECP for Matterley Bowl

0800-0950 - Matterley Bowl

• Registration

1000 - Matterley Bowl

• Race Start

1900 - QECP

• Final 9 Hour Race Cut Off
• Coach departs QECP for Matterley Bowl