Rules

All rules are at the final discretion of the race director. No challenges will be permitted.

1. There will be no unofficial runners.

2. Each runner’s official run number must be worn prominently on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.

3. Runners must follow the marked trail at all times.

4. Each runner must complete the entire course under his or her own power.

5. Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail.

6. Each runner must be checked IN to all aid stations. DO NOT RUN PAST WITHOUT HAVING YOUR NUMBER TAKEN. You will be disqualified if you are not registered together with your time at every aid station.

7. Cut-off times will be strictly enforced. Runners reaching the finish after the 30 hour cut off will not be listed as official finishers and will not be eligible for awards. There will be additional cut offs on route which will be supplied in the infopacks closer to the race date. These will afford runners every opportunity of meeting the 30 hour cut, but those missing the cut offs will be deemed unable to finish within the total allowed time and have their number removed. If runners chose to continue they will do so unofficially and at their own risk. 

8. In addition to information provided by the runner in the Run application’s medical questionnaire, each runner must fully disclose to medical personnel at the pre-Run check-in any changes to existing medical conditions and all prescription medications being taken.

9. Injection of fluids or drugs (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) during the event may result in immediate disqualification.

10. There will be a full waiver to sign at registration. No runner will be allowed to compete without signing this waiver.

11. Littering of any kind is prohibited. Please respect the natural beauty of our trails and the right of everyone to enjoy them. Littering will threaten our use of the South Downs Way and the future of the race. Any littering will result in immediate disqualification from the race and a life time ban from participating in future Centurion Running event.

12. Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship. 

13. Any runner who is unable to finish the Run must personally inform the aid station captain of the nearest checkpoint of his decision to withdraw. HE OR SHE MUST HAND IN HIS RACE NUMBER TO THE AID STATION CAPTAIN AT THAT TIME. This serves as official notice of a runner’s withdrawal from the Run. Runners who leave the course without turning in their number will be classified as “lost,” initiating serach and rescue, for which the runner will be charged. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews and pacers. Everyone associated with the Run must comply with all Run rules, regulations issued by the Run Director in pre-Run memos and at the pre-Run briefing.

14. Pacers are welcome to accompany runners at any stage after the Washington aid station BUT not more than one pacer can accompany a runner at any time. Pacers may only accompany runners on foot. See separate rules for pacers in the infopacks.

15. Runners are permitted and encouraged to have a crew. See separate rules for crews in the infopacks.

16. Runners may use headphones during the day but are strongly discouraged to do so during hours of darkness. 

17. Runners not found to be carrying the below mandatory items (with the exception of lights which must be carried from Washington onwards) at any time will be penalised one hour for each missing item.

• Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
• Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre. 
• Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
• Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar
• Route Map 
• Compass
• Whistle
• Required from Washington onwards: Headtorch
• Required from Washington onwards: Back Up Light source

18. There will be mandatory gear checks at the start, on route, or at the finish. Failure to comply with the gear checks will result in disqualification. 

19. Prize money will be awarded to both the first 3 men and first 3 women to cross the line respectively and is open to all competitors:

1st place Overall: £500
2nd place Overall: £250
3rd place Overall: £150

The South Downs Way is used by many different groups. Please be aware of other people whilst you are running and be as polite and courteous as possible to them, making way when necessary. All gates must be properly closed after you have gone through.
 If you need to drop out of the race, it is your responsibility to get back to where you need to get to. If you have to drop please do so where possible at an aid station. Please either inform the aid station captain or call the race director on the number provided at check in as soon as you decide to withdraw from the race. Please inform the aid station captain on arrival that you intend to drop and whether you need assistance. The Aid Station Captains will inform you if it is possible to get transport to the finish. It may be that this is possible but that you have to wait some considerable time so please be patient with the volunteers. If it is imperative that you get away immediately you will be given other options involving local transport services.