Queen Elizabeth Trail 11

New for 2011 and set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, the Queen Elizabeth Trail 11 offers runners of all abilities the opportunity to take part in a stunning trail race.

Following the trails of the South Down Way, Staunton Way and the Sussex boarder path,the Queen Elizabeth Trail 11 aspires to become a classic within the running calendar and a firm favourite for those who enjoy a challenging trail course.

The 11 mile (approx) circuit is run over a varied off road loop that includes forest tracks, bridal ways and scenic footpaths. There are some challenging ascents as well as descents with the enjoyment of some exceptional scenery. This is a fully way marked route that is well marked and includes mile markers. There will be a water station at approximately the half way mark and marshalls will be set at the few road crossings.

The Course

The race start/finish line begins at the foot of Butser hill in front of the event car park, it heads north up Butser hill in a horseshoe loop and quickly descends on to the South Downs Way past the start area.
You will follow the SDW through Queen Elizabeth country park which heads out of the park in the north east corner adjacent to the car park, continue along the SDW until it reaches Coulters Dean, you then follow the bridal path up through Coulters Dean until it reaches the road at Downley (access road to rear of Ditcham Park school) there will be a water station at this point.

Follow the road for approx 200m until you turn left down the track (opposite entrance gate to Ditcham Park) follow this all the way down (steep chalk descent) to bottom where you will link up with the Sussex Boarder Path, follow this path down to Harris lane past the horse fields on left, here the trail crosses the farm road between the two farm buildings and then crosses the railway footbridge.

The footpath then heads steeply up Chalton Peak from the road and then descends briefly towards Chalton, you will then link up with the Staunton Way on the right which will lead you back towards the country park, the Staunton Way takes you through the south side of the country park until it meets back with the SDW to the finish area.

This is a fairly hilly route with some challenging ascents & descents, due to the ground conditions and British weather at this time of year we recommend you wear appropriate clothing/footwear to suit the conditions (off road shoes recommended). The course is way marked and in addition to this will have arrows and tape where appropriate, the course will also be mile marked.

I hope you enjoy the course and good luck...