Winter's End

South Downs Way

50 Mile Ultra, 50km Ultra & Marathon

SATURDAY 20th MARCH 2027

An exciting start to 2027 as our incredible Winter's End 50 Mile Ultramarathon returns. After an incredible 2026 event, we cannot wait to bring you an even better day of trail running, with the inclusion of a brand new 50km Ultramarathon to sit alongside the 50 Mile Ultra and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Winchester Marathon

What better way to see out Winter and usher in Spring, than running lots of glorious trail miles over the South Downs National Park.

DESCRIPTION

50 Mile Ultramarathon

Starting on the South Downs Way National Trail, just outside the historic market town of Arundel in West Sussex, the Winters End 50 Mile Ultramarathon is a beautifully scenic, point to point trail run that follow the old routes and droveways along the chalk ridge of the South Downs, passing picturesque villages and ancient woodlands as it winds its way to the finish in the medieval cathedral city of Winchester in Hampshire.

You'll be treated to a fully marked course, generous cut off time, well stocked aid stations and 2 village hall checkpoints offering toilet facilities, hot food and drinks. And of course, it wouldn't be a BigFeat event without a large bespoke medal to hang around your neck when you finish, with the alternative option of planting a tree if the blings not your thing.

50km Ultramarathon - Arundel to QECP

Starting on the South Downs Way National Trail, just outside the historic market town of Arundel in West Sussex, the 50km Ultramarathon follows the SDW and Serpent Trail through ancient woodland and picturesque villages before finishing at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

You'll be treated to a fully marked course, generous cut off time, well stocked aid stations and of course, it wouldn't be a BigFeat event without a large bespoke medal to hang around your neck when you finish, with the alternative option of planting a tree if the blings not your thing.

Marathon - QECP to Winchester

Starting at the bottom of Butser Hill at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, the MARATHON follows the South Downs Way on the 50 Mile course, passing through picturesque villages in the Meon Valley and landmarks such as Old Winchester Hill, Beacon Hill and Cheesefoot Head, before finishing at Winchester Athletics Track.

You'll be treated to a fully marked course, generous cut off time, well stocked aid stations and 2 village hall checkpoints offering toilet facilities. And of course, it wouldn't be a BigFeat event without a large bespoke medal to hang around your neck when you finish, with the alternative option of planting a tree if the blings not your thing.

50 Mile & Marathon runners will park their vehicles at the finish location in Winchester and BigFeat will provide coach transport to the start lines in Arundel and QECP

50km Ultramarathon runners will park their vehicles at the finish location at Queen Elizabeth Country Park and BigFeat will provide coach transport to the start line at Arundel

DISTANCES & PRICES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - £102

50km Ultramarathon - £68

Marathon - £58

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CANICROSS ENTRIES AT THIS EVENT

* Volunteer credits not valid for full 50 Mile Ultramarathon entry, but can be used as partial payment. Email for info.

START TIMES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - 7.30am

50km Ultramarathon - 8.15am

Marathon QECP to Winchester - 11.30am

REGISTRATION

Runners will collect race bibs from the BigFeat HQ Tent at their respective start locations

START LOCATIONS

50 Mile Ultramarathon - Whiteways Cafe, Bury Hill, Houghton, Arundel BN18 9FD

50km Ultramarathon - Whiteways Cafe, Bury Hill, Houghton, Arundel BN18 9FD

Marathon QECP to Winchester - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

FINISH LOCATIONS

50 Mile Ultramarathon - Winchester Athletics Track, Milland Rd, Winchester SO23 0QA

50km Ultramarathon - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

Marathon QECP to Winchester - Winchester Athletics Track, Milland Rd, Winchester SO23 0QA

COACH LOCATIONS & DEPARTURE TIMES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - 5:30am

Marathon QECP to Winchester - 9:30am

Barfield Park and Ride, Barfield Close, Winchester, SO23 9PH

MAP & DIRECTIONS

50km Ultramarathon - 5:30am

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Coach ticket can be purchased at sign up stage

MANDATORY KIT

* All 50 mile runners (and marathon runners who could go over the 7 hour mark) will be required to have a headtorch or chest torch. It is advisable to have a back up.

* All 50 mile runners will be required to have a jacket.

* All 50 mile runners will be required to have a pack or belt to carry their tracker in.

* All runners will be required to carry at least 500ml of fluid with them. Most will have hydration vests but handheld soft flasks will be permitted.

* As weather is changeable, especially in winter, runners are advised to also wear (and carry) appropriate clothing for the conditions.

* We also strongly advise runners to download the GPX file of the route onto a wearable watch or mobile device. Although this is a marked course event, arrows can be tampered with, so a good understanding of the route is advisable.

50 MILE RUNNERS WILL HAVE A KIT INSPECTION BEFORE THEY COLLECT RACE BIBS

BAG DROP

A bag drop tent will be available on the day at each start line. Bags will be transported to the finish line ready to be collected when you finish.

CUT OFF TIMES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - 13.5 Hours

50km Ultramarathon - 9.5 hours

Marathon QECP to Winchester - 7.5 Hours

AID STATIONS

Locations TBC

All Aid Stations are well stocked and will have a selection of sweet and savoury snacks, with vegan options available. Water and flat coke are also provided. Please remember that we are a cupless event company.

PRECISION FUEL & HYDRATION

We are very proud to have partnered with Precision Fuel & Hydration for Winter's End.

Each Aid Station will be stocked with PH 1000 electrolyte liquid

Runners can collect 2 x PFH Gels at registration

PH 1000, is a low-cal electrolyte drink designed to help you hit your fluid and sodium numbers. It delivers 1,000mg of sodium per litre, which is about what the average athlete loses per litre of sweat.

A selection of snacks will sit alongside PH 1000 on-course to help you hit your carb targets. “Decoupling” your fueling and hydration can be beneficial during longer endurance races, as you can adjust each one as needed.

* Low-cal drink delivering 1000mg of sodium per litre

* Mild citrus flavour to avoid flavour-fatigue

* Served pre-mixed

LEARN MORE HERE

TREES NOT TEES

We work with the Trees Not Tees organization. Runners can opt to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finishers medal.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

WHAT YOU GET

* Trail run on the South Downs

* Incredible views and scenery

* Fully marked course

* Well stocked aid stations

* Bespoke finishers medal

* Friendly enthusiastic volunteers

* Energetic and fun atmosphere

* On course photographers

* Excellent value for money

* Satisfaction guaranteed

Description supplied by the event organiser.