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Race to the King

19-Jun-2021 Arundel, West Sussex, UK (England)

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14 REVIEWS

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Trail Race Race Terrain

84KM / 52Miles
1 Day

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Brutal

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This is a double marathon fully supported race along the South Downs. Starting in Arundel and finishing in Winchester, in front of Winchester Cathedral.

It has two categories: non-stop and 1 or 2-day stages.

You'll journey along the scenic South Downs Way, taking in the panoramic views as you go. Keep an eye out for iconic historical landmarks like Cheesefoot head and Queen Elizabeth Country Park before the epic finish at the steps of Winchester Cathedral.

The registration pack includes: race number, luggage label, wristband and timing chip.

The route is mapped and signposted, and pit stops can be found approximately every 10km.

Event Organiser
Threshold Sports

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Race to the King

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Kelius

08:38 24-06-19

Did this as a first time ultra, and wow was it tough. Some of the most gorgeous scenery I’ve ever witnessed, but please please follow the training plan or you won’t make the distance! The hills were absolutely humongous and kept coming, one after one until the end! Fantastically marshalled event though, and amazing atmosphere! You won’t be disappointed, just extremely sore.

Julesb1

08:01 19-12-18

This is a excellent choice for a First timer. Great folks and fun atmosphere. Go on do it!

Runningron

07:04 23-07-18

My second ultra, but by the longest. I did it in a day. Was expecting around12/13 hours. Did in just under 18. First half went ok but the wheels came off as the day progressed. Finished in darkness....good excuse to use the head torch.
A well organised event with great feed stations and good support. Lovely countryside with great views. The volunteers were brilliant, even during the night section, and helped to keep you going.
5/5 a top event

swhiteman

08:44 31-08-17

My first Ultra. Amazing ... I would rate it 5/5. Well sign posted, food stations were so well stocked with a variety of food and snacks. Helpers and supporters were encouraging and so supportive ... when I run to one of the last food stations, they just made me smile (just at the time when I needed it) as I need a "pick me up" time...

I will definitely do this one again.

Julesb1

09:24 02-08-17

What a fantastic race for the first time Ultra. The navigation is easy as the organiser is very experienced and capable - follow the arrows!! It’s not too steep and relatively easy as an ultra. Go for it!

Orange

06:21 09-07-17

A good race with more enjoyable than the scenery on the sister event, Race to the Stones. The check points are well spaced and reasonably well stocked (especially if you like heavy/junk food) but there was good stuff there too. The water melon at CP3 and the tea at CP 4 were very welcome. Also the signage was excellent - no chance of making a wrong turn.

What wasn't so good was the start strategy. We were allocated wave times with staggered starts but the event is open to walkers and these were allowed to go in the earlier waves - only to totally get in the way of the following runners from later waves on the narrow single track at the start of the race. That was a poor idea.

The hot meal at the end was a good idea - except it was well hidden away, there were no signs (or staff) directing you to it and I and many others only found out about it by reading the forums the next day.

The race though has an enjoyable mix of trail, my favourite being the (shortish) woodland trails and the off-road hills. The most tedious was the monotonous road hill that seemed to go forever round about 63k. The finish is also a grand setting, with the walls of Winchester cathedral letting you know when to commence your sprint finish.

2restlessbyfar

02:20 30-06-17

My second ever ultra, and first 50miler, and really tough. Organisation was superb, with great way marking and a beautiful route. Described as 'brutal' is accurate as its very hilly (5000ft escalation).
Conditions were ideal this year, with light drizzle at times and 80% cloud cover albeit this did restrict the great views a little.
Aid stations were good, although the advertised 'Mexican fajitas' never materialised (to my knowledge).
Great atmosphere and support in the final stages, with locals lining the finish and a very memorable finish line at the cathedral. The hot meal included in price at the comfortable cathedral cafeteria was very welcome

kerrysutton

03:06 08-03-17

I really enjoyed this event. I chose the one day option but love the fact that they offer the two day option. It was a beautiful route with enough of a challenge in terms of hills and technical trails to keep it interesting. The aid stations were really well stoked and the route was very easy to follow. I'd recommend this race.

Runsforcake

06:37 11-07-16

Lovely route, exceptionally well marked, good maps, friendly supportive volunteers, but rather overpriced for runners as opposed to walkers and a terrible mess up with buses to the start.

GinGerRunning

10:55 05-07-16

This was my first experience to an Ultra. I have run marathons before, but never 2 in 2 days. Organisation was phenomenal, the pitstops were very well equipped with the everything you could need. Scenery was beautiful. I would recommend this event to anyone! Most probably I will do it again next year!

Race to the King