Three Forts Challenge

Three Forts Challenge Enter now for 'The Tough One', with 27 miles of mixed South Downs terrain and climbs of 3450 feet. Also a Half Marathon and 5 mile trail run.

Go the Extra Mile! Enter the Three Forts Challenge, a 27 mile run across the Sussex Downs (or the Half Marathon) and help raise funds for our designated charity, the Ferring Country Centre. You can also raise money for your own charity by organising sponsorship as several runners do each year. We also offer a 5 mile trail run via Cissbury Hill Fort. You'll have a great day out on a well marshalled

course running through wonderful countryside. Forget hard pavements and roads, feel the grass under your feet! The 2024 event is on Sunday 5th May. We're expecting over 1000 entries so don't leave it too late. Entries close on 13th April, or sooner if the entry limit is reached, There will be no entries on the day. You can register at
www.threefortschallenge.org.uk

Mike Airey, Race Director

03/06/2026

⛰️ How has it already been a whole month since the Three Forts Challenge?

We’re still reminiscing about an incredible day on the hills, and already wishing we could do it all over again.

Here is our official aftermovie from Media2u Corporate Video Production capturing what was truly one of our best years yet. A huge thank you to Marcus for all the hard work in bringing the day to life on film.

Thank you so much to every runner who joined us in support of Ferring Country Centre. We had a brilliant turnout, an amazing atmosphere and so much support across the whole event.

A big thank you also to Worthing & Adur Town Crier - Bob Smytherman, all local Rotary International Clubs Rotary Club of Worthing, South Downs Leisure staff members, every brilliant run club who volunteered, and every single one of our amazing volunteers who helped make the day possible.

Early bird entries are open now, but not for long. Claim your place for Sunday 2nd May 2027 at 2026 prices for a short time only.

Next year’s event is already shaping up to be a special one, with more to share soon.

Enjoy this brilliant video, keep an eye out for our announcement on the total raised for Ferring Country Centre, and book your place for 2027 online today.

10/05/2026

🏃 One week on since all the Three Forts Challenge races kicked off, and we still can’t believe what an incredible day it was.

A massive thank you to every runner, volunteer, supporter and marshal who made it so special. We already can’t wait to do it all again.

Are you mad enough to do it all again and take it on in 2027?

Early bird entries are now open for Sunday 2nd May 2027, with prices held the same as 2026 for now, but be quick, they won't be the same price for long.

Sign up now, and keep an eye out for more clips and the after movie coming soon.

A huge thank you to Marcus at Media2u Corporate Video Production for capturing the start line so brilliantly, and for all his hard work on the day.

🐾 A huge congratulations to all of our incredible four-legged runners and their humans who took on The Tough One at the ...
08/05/2026

🐾 A huge congratulations to all of our incredible four-legged runners and their humans who took on The Tough One at the 2026 Three Forts Challenge!

From muddy trails to steep South Downs climbs, our canicross runners brought unbelievable energy to this year’s event and we loved seeing so many dogs crossing the finish line alongside their owners.

A special well done to our canicross winners:

🏃‍♂️ Marathon Canicross Winner – Harry Bush & Walrus
🏃‍♂️ Half Marathon Canicross Winner – Des McGuckian & Magy
🏃‍♀️ 5-Mile Trail Canicross Winner – Heather Jenner & Oz

A massive thank you as well to every dog and owner who took part and made this year’s event so memorable. Seeing so many four-legged competitors out on the trails was a real highlight of the day.

Don’t forget to tag us in your race day photos and share your favourite moments from the South Downs!

🙏 A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Three Forts Challenge happen.From the marshals out ...
07/05/2026

🙏 A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Three Forts Challenge happen.

From the marshals out on the course to the teams helping at aid stations, registration, parking, the finish line and everything behind the scenes, we couldn’t do it without you. Your support and encouragement helped hundreds of runners get across the South Downs and made the atmosphere so special throughout the day.

A massive thank you to all the groups and organisations who supported the event, including Shoreham & Southwick Rotary, Portslade Hedgehoppers, Hove Hornets RC, Ferring Country Centre, Rogue Runners, Angmering Rotary, Foxy Ladies, Worthing Rotary and the volunteers from South Downs Leisure.

Thank you as well to Raynet for keeping everyone connected throughout the event, our 4x4 drivers, the emergency services, Worthing College sports students for the post-run massages, and Bob the Town Crier for handing out medals at the finish line.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gave up their Sunday to help make the event possible, and apologies if we’ve missed anyone!

🏅 Three Forts Challenge? Completed it mate.Now make it official with the latest Three Forts Challenge merch. From hoodie...
07/05/2026

🏅 Three Forts Challenge? Completed it mate.

Now make it official with the latest Three Forts Challenge merch. From hoodies and tees to accessories, it’s the perfect way to remember the miles, mud and hills you conquered.

Whether you smashed the marathon, tackled the half or took on the 5 miler, wear your finish with pride and let everyone know you survived the South Downs.

Shop the official collection here:
https://www.pinnacleuk.com/product-category/three-forts/

🏆 Here are your incredible Three Forts Challenge 2026 winners!What an incredible day on the South Downs for the 2026 Thr...
06/05/2026

🏆 Here are your incredible Three Forts Challenge 2026 winners!

What an incredible day on the South Downs for the 2026 Three Forts Challenge on Sunday.
From the first runners across the marathon finish line to every determined trail runner taking on The Tough One, this year’s event delivered brilliant performances, unforgettable moments and an amazing atmosphere across all three races.

A huge congratulations to all of this year’s champions!

🏃‍♂️ Marathon plus 1 Champion – James Baker with an amazing 3:15:20.
🏃‍♀️ Female Marathon plus 1 Winner – Sabrina Holt
🏃‍♂️ Veteran Male Marathon plus 1 Winner – Lloyd Meheux
🏃‍♀️ Veteran Female Marathon plus 1 Winner – Samantha Leader

🏃‍♂️ Half Marathon Champion – Mark Alger
🏃‍♀️ Female Half Marathon Winner – Freya Hughes
🏃‍♂️ Veteran Male Half Marathon Winner – Stephen Lock
🏃‍♀️ Veteran Female Half Marathon Winner – returning champion Sharon Walker

🏃‍♂️ 5-Mile Trail Run Champion – Joshua Bath
🏃‍♀️ Female 5-Mile Trail Winner – Heather Jenner (who stormed the course alongside her four-legged running companion 🐕)
🏃‍♂️ Veteran Male Trail Winner – returning champion Robert Meeson
🏃‍♀️ Veteran Female Trail Winner – Corin Lyon

Thank you to every runner, marshal, volunteer and supporter who helped make this year’s event another special day on the Downs.

Don’t forget to check out your official race photos from the Sussex Sport Photography website and grab your ‘I Conquered The Tough One’ merch over on our website.

Think you can take on The Tough One in 2027? Entries are now open,get your special early bird price on our website!

https://www.threefortschallenge.org.uk/e/three-forts-challenge-8513

📸 Ready to relive your race day moment?Your official 2026 Three Forts Challenge photos from sussexsportphotography.com ...
06/05/2026

📸 Ready to relive your race day moment?

Your official 2026 Three Forts Challenge photos from sussexsportphotography.com are now available to view and download for free online.
From the South Downs climbs to the finish line celebrations, the team captured all the best moments across the marathon + 1, half marathon and 5 mile route.

Every photo is included in your entry fee, so take a look through the gallery and see if you can spot yourself.

👉 https://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/gallery-collection/2026-05-03-Three-Forts-Challenge/C0000szwyHNWR45U

🏃 Ready to do it all again?After an incredible day on the South Downs yesterday, we’re already looking ahead… and entrie...
04/05/2026

🏃 Ready to do it all again?

After an incredible day on the South Downs yesterday, we’re already looking ahead… and entries for the 2027 Three Forts Challenge are now open at the same price as 2026.

If you’re still buzzing from race day or wishing you’d been part of it, now’s your chance to secure your spot early. This limited early bird offer won’t be around for long.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the event so special, from our runners and supporters to our volunteers, local Rotary Clubs and charities, all coming together to support Ferring Country Centre.

Don’t forget to check out your race day photos with Sussex Sport Photography and relive the day. We’ll also be sharing highlights, winners and more content from across the course this week.

Lock in your place for 2027 now via our website.

https://www.threefortschallenge.org.uk/e/three-forts-challenge-8513

03/05/2026

What a day! 😍

A massive well done to each and every one of you who took on the Downs today!
Whether you joined us on two legs or four, it was incredible to see you all smash the route in aid of Ferring Country Centre

Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers, you made the whole thing possible. 🙌

Winners will be announced right here soon, watch this space!

Want to do it all again? 😄 Early bird entries for 2027 are now open, same great race, don’t miss out. Link in bio!

Check your race time results on our website and look out for your event photos from sussexsportphotography.com and the after movie from Media2u Corporate Video Production video coming soon!

🏃 It’s race day!A massive good luck to every single one of you taking on the Three Forts Challenge today. We’re all set ...
03/05/2026

🏃 It’s race day!

A massive good luck to every single one of you taking on the Three Forts Challenge today. We’re all set and ready to welcome you at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre and can’t wait to see you out on the South Downs.

Before you arrive, make sure you’re prepared. Have your QR code ready for registration, you’ll find this in your confirmation email. Registration opens from 8am, so please arrive in good time, especially as parking on site is limited. If you’re parking nearby, please be mindful of local residents or consider public transport where possible.

If you’ve got any last minute questions, take a look at our FAQs on the website or chat to 3FC Freddie. Our volunteers will also be on hand throughout the morning to help and guide you.

Please bring your own hydration where possible, although there will be aid stations along the course with water and treats to keep you going.

Most importantly, enjoy it. Whether you’re running the 5 mile, half or marathon, take in the views, push yourself and soak up the atmosphere.

Thank you for being part of it and for supporting Ferring Country Centre and local charities with your entry. We’ll see you at the start line 👟

Address

Lancing Manor Leisure Centre
Lancing
BN150PH

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