Phoenix West Sussex Festival of Running

Join the Celebration - Phoenix West Sussex Festival of Running is on at Blackland Farm, East Grinstead on 18th and 19th July 2026 with a number of different race formats.

An Invitation to a Landmark Running Celebration
This is more than a race; it's a landmark celebration of the entire Phoenix Running West Sussex community, and you're invited. We are thrilled to host this 24-hour event, a festival designed to bring runners together for a weekend of challenge, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

Our mission is simple: to welcome runners of all abilities to a unique festival atmosphere set against the beautiful back of Blackland Farm. Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner or looking for your next big adventure, you'll find a place with us.

The course will be a 1 mile lap but how will you decide to run it? What adventure will you choose?

The Challenge: A Race Format for Every Ambition
This festival is built around the idea that every runner has a unique goal. Our diverse race options are designed to cater to a wide range of ambitions, from the ultimate solo endurance tests to strategic, team-based relays. Find the format that speaks to you and join us at the start line.

The 24-Hour Solo: This is your chance to dig deep, discover your limits, and see what you're truly made of over 24 hours.

The 12-Hour Solo: This is your chance to dig deep, discover your limits, and see what you're truly made of over 12 hours.                           

The 24-Hour Team Relay: Team of up to 4 persons. Grab your teammates and dive into the strategy and camaraderie of our 24-hour relay. It's the perfect way to share the miles and the memories. 

The 24-Hour Team Relay: Team of between 5 and 8 persons. Grab your teammates and dive into the strategy and camaraderie of our 24-hour relay. It's the perfect way to share the miles and the memories.  Please can all Team members include their Team name on the entry application.                               

The P24 Challenge: The ultimate test of pacing and endurance: complete one 1-mile lap on the hour, every hour, for 24 consecutive hours.                                 

The P12 Challenge: The 12-hour version of the P24, offering a formidable test of consistency for solo runners looking to conquer a half-day challenge. 

All events will start together in a grand display of community at 12 noon, regardless of the challenge they choose. And no matter which challenge you embrace, you'll be doing it on a course designed to be as beautiful as it is demanding.

The Venue: Blackland Farm
Blackland Farm is more than just a location; it's an integral part of the festival experience. This stunning activity venue provides the perfect scenic escape, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the run and the vibrant community around you.

Each 1-mile lap is a journey in itself. You'll start and finish in the buzz of the main camping field, run along a "beautiful tree line grass alley" with expansive views, and then dip into a peaceful woodland section before looping back to the cheers of the festival.

The course is entirely off-road, running on a mix of grass and compact trail. The "undulating" profile provides enough variety to keep your legs guessing and your mind engaged, lap after lap. But the experience doesn't end with the trail; it extends to the vibrant festival atmosphere in our dedicated camping area.

The Festival Experience: Run, Camp, and Celebrate
The real magic of a 24-hour event happens off the trail. Camping is what transforms this race into a full-on festival, creating a vibrant hub of energy that lasts from the buzzing start line, through the quiet support of the midnight laps, to the shared celebration of a sunrise. It's a place to rest, refuel, and connect with your fellow runners.

We offer two convenient camping options:

Pitch Your Own Tent: A pitch for your tent is included in the entry price, offering fantastic value and flexibility and allows Teams to share the camping experience.

Bell Tent Upgrade: For ultimate convenience, upgrade to a pre-pitched Bell Tent. These spacious tents accommodate four people comfortably, so all you need to bring is your sleeping bag. Please note, Bell Tents are limited in number, so we highly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Please note for people wishing to share, the they will sleep 4 people and only one person needs to book the tent for the entire group. The cost is £40 per Bell Tent, please do a separate entry for the purchase of a bell tent.

After a day on the trail and a night under the stars, a well-earned reward awaits every finisher.

We believe every finish line is a victory. That's why we celebrate your achievement with rewards you'll be proud to earn. Every participant will receive a fabulous bespoke finisher's medal

Claim your medal and be part of this inaugural celebration - but don't wait too long to secure your place.

Secure Your Spot in This Inaugural Event!

Entries for this event will be limited. Don't leave it too late to enter and miss out on this incredible celebration of running!