Winter's End - 50 Mile Ultra & Marathon

Winter's End

South Downs Way

50 Mile Ultra & Marathons 

 

An exciting start to 2026 as our incredible Winter's End 50 Mile Ultramarathon and Marathon returns, and this year we've made it bigger and better than before, with the addition of a 2nd marathon course!! 

What better way to see out Winter and usher in Spring, than running 50 glorious 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 Ultra 50 is a beautifully scenic, point to point 50 mile ultramarathon on trails 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.

Marathon Option 1 - Arundel to QECP (50 Mile 1st Half)

Starting on the South Downs Way National Trail, just outside the historic market town of Arundel in West Sussex, the OPTION 1 MARATHON - Arundel to QECP follows the SDW 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 Option 2 - QECP to Winchester (50 Mile 2nd Half)

Starting at the bottom of Butser Hill at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, the OPTION 2 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 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 Option 2 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

Marathon Option 1 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 - £98

Marathon Option 1 - £52

Marathon Option 2 - £52

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

 

START TIMES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - 7.30am

Marathon Option 1 Arundel to QECP - 7.30am

Marathon Option 2 QECP to Winchester - 11.00am

 

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

Marathon Option 1 Arundel to QECP - Whiteways Cafe, Bury Hill, Houghton, Arundel BN18 9FD

Marathon Option 2 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

Marathon Option 1 Arundel to QECP - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

Marathon Option 2 QECP to Winchester - Winchester Athletics Track, Milland Rd, Winchester SO23 0QA

 

COACH LOCATIONS & DEPARTURE TIMES

50 Mile Ultramarathon - 5:30am

Marathon Option 2 QECP to Winchester - 9:30am

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

MAP & DIRECTIONS

 

Marathon Option 1 Arundel to QECP - 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

Marathon Option 1 Arundel to QECP -  8 hours

Marathon Option 2 QECP to Winchester -  8 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 

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