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South Downs Trail Half Marathon & 10km, QE Park Petersfield
June 17 All day

The South Downs Trail Half Marathon and accompanying 10K are two of the classic trail runs in the South of England. They both start and finish at QE Country Park and run out to join the South Downs Way on a network of Bridle Paths through beautiful downland and forested countryside. In 2022 we introduced Canicross waves for the first time. They were a great success, and they will be returning in 2023 with a Canicross wave starting before the main races and a separate Canicross prize list.
Half Marathon
Starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield, the half marathon follows a route through the Country Park, then across fields to the Village of Chalton before picking up the Sussex Border Path, bringing you to the South Downs Way. The route then returns, running west for 4 miles on the South Downs Way back through QE Park to the finish.
We are planning to have two wave starts for the half marathon in 2022 to prevent congestion at the stile after 3.5miles and to maintain social distancing before the start:
- 9:55am Canicross Wave
- 10 am Half-Marathon wave 1
- 10.10 am Half-Marathon wave 2
- 10.20 am 10Km
The half marathon field has wave starts to avoid congestion in the early part of the course, where there are a couple of narrow sections on the route. The waves will be split on estimated finishing times, with the faster runners starting first. Prizes for the first three male and female finishers will be awarded to the first three to cross the line, so if you think you have a chance of winning, please make sure you start in the first wave.
To view the route or download a GPX route to your device, follow the following link: HALF MARATHON ROUTE PROFILE Contains OS data (c) Crown copyright and database right 2022
10K Trail Run
Taking in the first 2.4 miles of the half marathon route, the 10K course will divide and run on the Staunton Way up to where it joins the South Downs Trail as it enters QE Park at the Buriton Gate. The route then returns to the finish along the same route as the half marathon (South Downs Way). Essentially the route is a gradual climb up to halfway, then a downhill return to the finish at the base of Butser Hill.
To view the route or download a GPX route to your device, follow the following link: 10KM ROUTE & PROFILE Contains OS data (c) Crown copyright and database right 2022
Time Table
- 09.55 am: Canicross Wave Start for Half and 10K Start and Queen Elizabeth Country Park
- 10.00 am: Wave 1 Half Marathon Start at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
- 10.10 am: Wave 2 Half Marathon Start at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
- 10.20 am: 10km Start at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
PRICES
Half Marathon: Up to 30 Apr £32 (£35 Canicross entry) / From 1 May £37 (£40 Canicross entry)
10km: Up to 30 Apr £22 ((£25 Canicross entry) / From 1 May £27 (£30 Canicross entry)
(Entry prices include all registration platform fees. Entries for both events close on Wednesday, 8th June at 12:00 pm or when we reach our max capacity.)
Entry Fee includes:
- Medals to all finishers
- Free 2:09 Events water bottle
- Finish drinks and energy snacks
- Free race photography by digital download
- Chip timing
- 3 water stations en route
- Full medical backup
- Baggage storage
- On site toilets
- Canicross entries include bespoke medals for both runner and your dog.
A prizegiving ceremony will take place as soon as possible after the lead runners finish. Prizes will be wooden trophies and Alton Sports Gift Vouchers.
Half Marathon prizes
First 3 Male & Female
First male & female masters in the following age groups categories:
40, 50, 60
First, second and third canicross teams
10K prizes
First 3 Male & Female
First Male & Female masters in the following age groups categories:
40, 50, 60
First, second and third canicross teams
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANICROSS ENTRANTS.
You can only run with your dog if you add a dog to your race entry during the registration process. All dog entries will start in a dedicated Canicross wave at 09.55 am, 5 minutes ahead of the runner-only waves, to allow maximum enjoyment for all our race entrants.
- Dogs MUST be kept on a harness at all times on the course and in the race village.
- Please carry any snacks and water your dog may need while out running the course.
- Please make sure you clean up after your dog. There will be designated dog poo bins.
For more guidance on Canicross, check out the advice from our friends at Dogfit:
Appropriate canicross kit: www.dogfit.co.uk/canicross-kit (use discount code DFR5 for 5% off at http://www.dogfit.co.uk)