Winter Downs 100^®

Entries

Applications for 2024 will open at 1000 on Saturday April 6th 2024. 100 places will be available with an anticipated starting field of 80 runners. Places are available on a first come, first served basis and subject to acceptance by race management. Runners qualifying data will be verified 6 weeks prior to race day.

There will be no waiting list for this event.

The total entry fee is £215 payable at time of entry. If the application is rejected on the basis of qualification criteria, a full refund will be processed within 14 working days.

Qualification Standard

Runners must declare their previous running and multi-sport experience in their application. The key focus of which should be to instill confidence in us as organisers of their ability to cover very long distances between check points on foot, self-navigating in what could be extremely difficult conditions including 16 hours of darkness in every 24. As organisers we reserve the right to refuse any application.

Applications should include not only relevant race experience but experience of winter, mountain or self-supported, self-powered journeys. 

It isn't possible for us to list accepted events, there are simply too many but as a gauge, a runner who has completed a single stage trail 100km (or longer) event would stand a good chance of their application being accepted. Completion of single stage events of less than 100km will not on their own be substantial enough for a successful application, though will of course help. Equally as valid as 100km plus race finishes would be self-powered or solo adventures in the mountains or in winter over difficult terrain with limited support, whether on foot or other means of travel. Inclusion of adventure racing, orienteering, climbing and other adventure sports will all be viewed positively. 

Cut Offs

Runners must finish within the 35 hour time limit. There are additional cut offs at every checkpoint on route and these are listed within the aid station table.

Start/ Finish Location

Race HQ and registration is over two venues. First is at Juniper Hall, Old London Road, Dorking, RH5 6DA. Runners can register there between 1000 and 1130 on race day OR they may select registration at the Start Venue - Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, BN18 9LT between 1230 and 1330 on race day. Runners registering at Juniper Hall can opt to get the coach to the start (no additional cost). Race Start is from Amberley Museum at 1400. The finish is back at Juniper Hall. 

Route

Starting out from the Amberley Museum in the heart of the South Downs, the route travels west for 42 miles on the South Downs Way National Trail as far as its intersection with the Wayfarers Walk, just after Exton. The course then travels north east, first on the Wayfarers Walk and then the St. Swithuns Way up to Farnham - a section of 32 miles -  to rejoin the North Downs Way at the trail head. The final 26 miles of the course takes runners on the NDW to Box Hill and Juniper Hall.

A map and downloadable GPX of the route can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Awards

Buckle to all finishers.

Additional prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Male and Female and all Vet Categories: MV40, MV50, MV60, MV70, FV40, FV50, FV60, FV70. 

Aid Stations

There will be 3 aid stations along the length of the course. At all three aid stations, runners will have access to full hot meals, drop bags and can get sleep if they require. Crew are not permitted at or in the aid stations themselves.

Runners are permitted a maximum of 2 hours at each check point. But must ensure they leave the check point before the final cut off passes, irrespective of their arrival time.

Drop Bags

Runners need to provide three separate drop bags - one for each check point - should they wish. This is of course optional. Each individual drop bag will go to the specific check point location only and then the finish - this is different to the 200 where runners have one drop bag that travels to each check point. Each of your drop bags must weigh 10kg or less AND be less than 50 litres in size. Bags will be weighed at registration and will be refused if they are over the weight limit.

Drop Bags and Finish Bags can be handed in either at Juniper Hall or at Amberley Museum on race day. 

Course Markings

The course is not marked with the traditional Centurion markings. Instead runners should ensure they have access to the GPX files at all times - available at the foot of this page. Each section of the race takes place entirely on one of 4 way-marked trails. In order they are the South Downs Way, Wayfarers Walk, St. Swithuns Way and finally the North Downs Way to the finish. The markings for each trail differ and runners should familiarise themselves with them. Examples are shown below. All of the aid stations are directly on the race course, there are no diversions to them.

Please see the Course Notes Page here for further details.

Pacers

Are not permitted at any stage of the run.

Crew

Runners are allowed to have a crew. The points at which a runner may be crewed, are listed on the crew tab here. Crews are not permitted at aid stations and will not be permitted to crew for their runner at any point other than those listed. 

Medical

There will be a team of race medics available throughout the duration of race week including race ambulances and static medical personnel at the aid stations and the finish.

Kit

There will be a full kit check at registration and spot checks at the check points and/or out on course. 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. 

Needless to say this event is a significant undertaking at a time of year where conditions could be extremely harsh. Some runners will also be uncrewed, meaning that to level the playing field, everyone will need access to the same kit throughout.

Over the coming months we will release further information and clarification on the kit lists below. For those looking at options now, the kit listed in our Winter Downs collection here will all pass kit check and comes recommended by us.

This kit list is subject to change and alteration right up until the final pre-race communications.

• Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
• Access to the GPX via either a watch or handheld GPS device
• Battery Pack (Minimum 10,000 mAh) and cables: Ability to charge on the move, your phone, GPS watch, Handheld GPS and/ or headlamps.
• Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
• Survival or Bivi Bag (NOT Blanket): This can be a Heatshield/ Surival Bag or Bivi Bag
• Waterproof Jacket with Hood: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 20,000mm+ & must have sealed seams. 
• Waterproof Trousers: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 10,000mm+ & must have sealed seams. 
• Synthetic or Fleece Mid-Layer
• Waterproof Gloves
• 2 Pairs of Warm Gloves
• Warm Hat (Buff not acceptable)
• Whistle
• Headtorch or Primary Light Source Minimum 200 lumens
• Second Headtorch or Light source - Minimum 200 Lumens
• At least one spare battery (or batteries) for both lamps
• Red Rear Flashing LED
• 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.
• Full length tights or leg covering - 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.
• Cup capable of containing hot liquid
• Medical Kit and Gear Repair Kit including minimum: Blister plasters, wound dressing, Tape, Scissors or small knife
• Money: Can be cash or card

Recommended but NOT Mandatory

• Windproof Jacket
• Primaloft Jacket
• Spare Waterproof Jacket
• Spare Warm Gloves
• Map
• Compass
• Anti-Chafing & Toilet Kit

Find out all about the 2024 race plus kit advice and discussion via our YouTube video below.