Image of a group of walkers taking part in The South Downs Trek

Endurance trek

South Downs Trek

Thank you to everyone who took part in 2023!

Event details

Support your local children’s hospice by taking on a marathon or half-marathon trek through the Sussex countryside.

Jump straight to: What to expect | What you’ll get | What you need to know | The route | Event support | Photo gallery | Fundraising support

Location: Starting line - Northbrook College BN12 6NU
When: Saturday 30th September 2023 at 7:30am
Event type: Treks & walks

How to pay in your fundraising

  • Pay online; quick, easy and secure – just type select ‘other’ when asked for your donation, and enter in the amount you’ve raised. Choose to opt into Gift Aid too!
  • Pay via Bacs Payment account no: 70574790 Sort code: 60-03-38 Natwest bank St Barnabas Hospices. Note, please quote the event name in the reference
  • Pay with cheques to: St Barnabas House Event Team, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6NZ.
  • Pay over the phone: Call us on 01903 254 777 and donate over the phone.
  • If you have set up a JustGiving page, we’ll receive your donations automatically.

We strongly advise not to send cash in the post

What to expect

Whichever route you choose, you'll get to experience the amazing South Downs, including a path that takes in the hospice and our sister hospice St Barnabas House! Join us for a fun and safe way to trek the South Downs, with a professionally organised route, fully supported event with medics and marshals.

💛 GPS tracking and chip timing
💛 Fun BBQ lunch all together
💛 Full fundraising support

Two walkers posed on the trek

What you'll get

💛 Bespoke finishers' medal
💛 Celebratory style finish with fizz and cake
💛 Professional photography we'll share with you for free
💛 Refreshment stops on route

What you need to know about South Downs Trek

26.2 Miles:

  • Standard entry fee: £40
  • Fundraising: Raise £285 for vital children’s hospice care.
  • Parking: Free
  • Refreshments on route: All free!

13.1 Miles:

  • Standard entry fee: £25
  • Fundraising: Raise £150 for vital children’s hospice care.
  • Parking: Free
  • Refreshments on route: All free!
  • Walker numbers: You’ll collect your trek pack at registration, which will include your walker number and GPS tracker.
  • On the day kit: Walking boots, mobile phone, waterproofs and other layers (weather dependant), water bottle and any additional snacks.
  • Itinerary for the day: Registration opens at 6am, and we’ll all set off together at 7am. The routes are self-navigate routes with signage and downloadable route files for your phone to guide the way. The Event Control Centre will be your eyes in the skies ensuring that all participants are on track throughout your challenge!
  • Rest stops: There are two rest stops for the 13.1 mile route and 4 on the 26.2 mile route. Both routes start at Northbrook College.
  • Four legged friends: Let us know if you’d like to bring your pooch with you! Dogs will be an additional £5 per dog and you will need to sign a separate waiver.

We’re offering a special discount if you’re taking part as a group. Grab your friends together for a memorable day out! South Downs Trek is the perfect challenge for teams of friends to get involved as you can train together beforehand but everyone can go at their own pace on the day.

  • Sign up a team of 4 and the fifth person goes completely free!
  • If you’re part of a work team looking to sign up your entire office – then get in touch and we can offer you a bespoke discount. 
  • The minimum age for participants is 10, and they must be accompanied by an adult.
  • All participants will need to finish the course by 6.30pm.
  • The terrain on the route is very varied and includes styles, steep inclines and stairs – you will need a good level of fitness to take part.
  • Unfortunately this event is not wheelchair accessible.
  • If you need to trek with a guide (if you have limited sight, for instance) then please do let us know when you sign up – your guide will trek for free.

South Downs Trek route

IMPORTANT! Please read the following before downloading the map:

South Downs Trek has been carefully planned and approved in collaboration with landowners and authorities for the sole purpose of this event. We’ve got special permission to access parts of the route, and the permissions don’t extend to any other time. Please do not attempt the route outside the official event day as this could lead to unauthorized access onto private property. We appreciate your cooperation!

 

Join us for a challenge you won’t forget!

While it’s the first year we’ve opened South Downs Trek to Chestnut Tree House supporters, we’ve been running this successful and popular event for our sister hospice – St Barnabas House for 7 years. Scroll through the gallery below to get to know the event.