In what seems just a few short years the South Downs Marathon and Marathon Relay have become classics on the Trail Running calendar - which is not surprising when you look at the fantastic scenery on the route.

In 2012 we launched a half marathon as well, giving a wide range of options and turning the day into a festival of running - and with spectators and participants staying all day and enjoying picnics on the grass at the finish under Butser Hill this really does feel like a festival.

Marathon Starting at Slindon College at 9.30am the full marathon runners follow a route up onto the South Downs through woodland reaching the South Downs Way at 5.5 miles then running west back to the finish at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The free buses to take marathon runners to the start will depart from QE Park between 7 and 7.45am. Drink stations at 5.5, 7.5, 13, 17, 20 and 23 miles. Gels at 13 and 20 miles. Minimum age is 18.

Marathon Relay The relay starts at Slindon College at 09.00am. There are four legs and teams should comprise of four runners. Incomplete teams can run but will not count for prizes. Teams are responsible for getting team members to the start of each leg. The approximate distance of each leg is 7.2, 5, 7 and 6 miles. Minimum age is 15

Please note: when entering the Team Relay we only need the team captain to register!

Half Marathon Starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield, the half marathon follows a route through the Country Park then across fields to the Village of Chalton before picking up the Sussex Border Path bringing you to the South Downs Way. The route then joins the full marathon route running west for 4 miles on the South Downs Way back through QE Park to the finish. Minimum age is 17.

Family 5km Trail Fun Run Taking in the first part of the half marathon through Queen Elizabeth Country Park, the route turns back after a sharp hill at around 1.75 miles and drops down through the trees and back to the start area. Minimum age is 7.

Start times:

• Relay Marathon (Slindon College) 9:00am
• Full Marathon (Sindon College) 9:30am
• Half Marathon (QE Country Park) 10:00am
• Family Fun Run (QE Country Park) 10:00am

Prices

• Relay Marathon £68 per team
• Full Marathon £35, £40 from 01 June 2016
• Half Marathon £25, £30 from 01 June 2016
• Family Fun Run £8

Prizes/Medals/Facilities

Medal and quality technical T-shirt to all finishers (sorry, not for the family fun runners), goody bags. Prizes to first five male and female overall plus first male and female  40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70+.

Facilities: free parking, free bus to start for Marathon runners, refreshments available on site. Toilets at start and on route, Full medical back-up.

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