Race to the King 2026

Race to the King 2026

Race to the King is an ultramarathon event held at West Dean Gardens that traverses the landscapes of the South Downs National Park. The course utilizes portions of the South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way, offering a mix of coastal views near Chichester Harbour and undulating inland trails passing by Arundel Castle. The event is scheduled near the Summer Solstice to maximize available daylight for participants.

The event offers several route configurations for runners and walkers:

• 30 km Monarch's Loop: A journey towards Bignor Hill returning via Monarch's Way.
• 50 km Coastal: A flat route passing through Bosham and Chichester Harbour.
• 50 km Castle: An undulating course along the South Downs Way passing Arundel Castle.
• 80 km Non-Stop: A combination of the Coastal loop and the Monarch’s Loop.
• 100 km Non-Stop: The full circuit encompassing both the Coastal and Castle loops.

The trails are fully signposted for navigation during the day and night. Support includes chip timing, medical personnel at pit stops, and rapid response paramedic teams. Pit stops provide a variety of food such as cereal bars, fruit, sandwiches, and sports nutrition products.

Participants receive a finishers medal and a hot meal at the finish line. Bag transfer services from the start to the finish are included for all distances. Optional extras such as parking, shuttles, and individual GPS trackers are available for an additional fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Choose Your Challenge

There are multiple distances on offer at Race to the King, with options to suit everyone, from first-time trail runners and hikers all the way through to experienced ultrarunners.

• MONARCH’S LOOP 30k
  A challenging but very achievable journey along the South Downs Way towards Bignor Hill, returning to West Dean Gardens via the stunning Monarch’s Way. The perfect entry point to long distance trail running & walking.
• COASTAL 50K
  Truly the perfect first ultramarathon. Flat and runnable without skimping on scenery, the Coastal 50k offers spectacular views around Chichester Harbour, passing through the ancient fishing village of Bosham before gently climbing back onto the South Downs.
• CASTLE 50K
  Looking for more of a challenge? The Castle 50k at Race to the King is the ideal ‘next step’ on your ultra journey. Following an undulating course along the South Downs Way, the route passes by Arundel Castle before returning to West Dean via the Monarch’s Way.
• 80K NON-STOP
  Designed to provide a ‘stepping stone’ distance between the 50k and 100k routes, the 80k Non-Stop course begins with a full circuit of the Coastal 50k route before completing the 30k Monarch’s Loop, finishing back at West Dean Gardens.
• 100k NON-STOP
  The full circuit, taking in both the Coastal and Castle loops for a magnificent tour of the stunning South Downs National Park. Steeped in history and uniquely varied, the 100k Non-Stop event at Race to the King offers a course truly fit for royalty.

Take Part for Charity

Every year, Race to the King raises thousands for good causes via charity fundraiser participants. Whatever the distance you’re taking on, your charity of choice will part-fund your place and will provide you with all the support and materials to help you reach your target. In return, you’ll benefit from reduced entry fees starting at just £30 – and maybe some snazzy new kit to rock on race day!

What’s Included?

Our intention is to create ultras which anyone with a dose of grit and determination can finish. We beli