Three Forts Challenge

Participating in the Three Forts Challenge was a great experience overall, though the bib distribution at the start felt a bit disorganized and the finisher medal wasn't up to standard.

Three Forts Challenge offered a great experience overall, but the finisher medal really let it down. It feels like a bit of a waste to hand out something that doesn’t feel worth holding onto. While I get the push for sustainability, the current options don’t quite hit the mark. It would be much better if they offered a high-quality medal as a paid add-on option, so those of us who want a proper memento can choose to get one.

My first experience at Three Forts Challenge was truly memorable. The atmosphere was fantastic and incredibly welcoming from start to finish. I’m already planning to return every year!

The Three Forts Challenge offers an excellent home half/marathon experience, perfectly showcasing what makes SDW so special. The route features challenging elevation, breathtaking views, and historic trails. I was particularly impressed by the smooth organization, well-stocked aid stations, and that distinct club atmosphere. Highly recommended!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Three Forts Challenge. The support at the aid stations was genuinely superior to what I experience at typical half marathons—getting access to squash, bananas, gummy bears, and cakes was a real treat. While I wouldn’t label it strictly a beginner’s event, I believe the 5-mile or half-marathon distances are achievable for most participants. The full marathon is definitely reserved for seasoned, heavily trained runners, but I’m already planning to tackle it next year.

I was really impressed by how accurate the distance markers were at the Three Forts Challenge. It was great to have volunteers on hand at every aid station who were not only friendly but also happy to refill my bottles, which made the whole process much smoother. This race definitely ranks among the toughest I’ve tackled; after completing roughly 20 marathons, including some ultras, I’d say the course is genuinely challenging, so make sure you train properly for it!

For the Three Forts Challenge, please consider allowing finishers a 6.5-hour time limit. Since this isn't a standard ultra, adding an extra 30 minutes helps maintain the atmosphere for those completing the marathon distance.

The Three Forts Challenge route through the South Downs is stunning, though the pace for beginners feels rushed. Six hours seems tight, and I wish organizers were more lenient with wave start times or cut-off rules. It was disappointing that most spectators left before the final runners crossed the line. The halfway cut-off at 15 miles feels arbitrary, especially when telling athletes who are under pace to stop. Having the tail runner start before active participants is also odd. Aid station service varied significantly; Rotary volunteers were kind but seemed confused by runners needing help with flasks, while others were more attuned to our needs. Water ran out at mile 18, which is unacceptable after the push to cut plastic. I’d prefer a mandatory cup system like many other races. Overall, a great event, but the logistical issues make me hesitant to return.

The Three Forts Challenge is a fantastic event with a wonderful atmosphere. The run is definitely tough, but totally worth it.

Organizing a 5-mile trail race was a brilliant move, and I really hope it becomes a staple at Three Forts Challenge. While I’d love to see a relay option introduced—perhaps with a 15/12 split to make it accessible to more participants—the experience of being a tail runner this year was truly special. It was a pleasure connecting with and supporting the team at the back, and I hope they felt just as valued. I also noticed a lot of public interest in having a walking category; given the turnout, I believe that could work well if the start time is adjusted to accommodate walkers.

Huge thanks to the team at Three Forts Challenge! I really appreciated the tea and coffee served by the organizers. It was great to see them in action again at Rise!

I absolutely love the Three Forts Challenge! The scenery along the route is truly breathtaking. It’s also a huge bonus that the event is dog-friendly.

Running at Three Forts Challenge can be brutal on the feet due to the rocky ground. You will often be tramping over chalk, flint, and gravel, so I highly recommend swapping your standard running shoes for something with softer soles to make the distance much more bearable.

Ran the Three Forts Challenge and enjoyed the route over the downs, though I have mixed feelings about the finisher awards. It feels like the industry is cutting corners by replacing proper metal medals with cheap balsa wood ones, often hiding behind "sustainability" excuses. I’d much rather have a solid, metal medal to represent my achievement than a t-shirt or some protein ball.

Signing up for the Three Forts Challenge was effortless, and the upgrade process was equally straightforward. The volunteers on the course were excellent, and the homemade treats at the aid stations were a lovely touch. It’s a beautiful route with a wonderful atmosphere at the finish line. Thanks for a great event!

Three Forts Challenge was a really well-run event. The whole organization was smooth, and it was nice to finish with a great cake. Highly recommend this race!

I tackled the Three Forts Challenge for the first time and had a wonderful experience. While the course presents some steep challenges, the stunning views along the route make every step worth it.

Mike Airey is a director who truly deserves the credit.

Reliable map downloads are essential. The fog got pretty thick during my session at Three Forts Challenge, but having the GPX file ready ensured I didn’t lose my way.

We had a wonderful time at the Three Forts Challenge. The weather was perfect, making it a lovely day for the event. We just ran into a bit of a crowd due to the high number of participants.

I had a fantastic time at the Three Forts Challenge! The scenery was stunning, and I really appreciated the variety of farm animals along the route. It was also a treat to have access to such good refreshment stalls, especially with all the cake and biscuits. A special mention to the team serving beer at the top of Devil’s Dyke—you made the effort feel that bit better! As someone who runs regularly but was doing my first marathon here, I’d say this is definitely more of a challenging route than what you’d pick for a true beginner. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it and have definitely caught the marathon bug. The six-hour time limit feels a bit tight given all the hills, but overall, it was an amazing event. I’ll definitely be back next year!

Having completed five marathons before, this trail race in the UK stood out as a true test. The route offered breathtaking views and the organization was top-notch. I was particularly impressed by the energy of the marshals and the support at every aid station. The reputation of this course as "the tough one" is completely justified. I can’t wait to take on the challenge again.

I found the 5-mile route at Three Forts Challenge to be a bit challenging, particularly at the junctions where signage and marshals were missing in a few spots.

For newcomers, the Three Forts Challenge is a bit of a gamble, but the demanding route is balanced by a genuinely warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the event.

Running through the area where Three Forts Challenge takes place can be a bit tense if you encounter horse riders who weren't properly briefed about the event. We noticed some animals getting visibly spooked and rearing up as runners passed by, which definitely added an element of unpredictability to the race.

Three Forts Challenge delivered an exceptionally well-organized experience with clear guidance from the marshals. The route beautifully highlights the stunning landscapes of the South Downs, making it a truly memorable outing. It’s a demanding course, but the effort is absolutely worth it for the scenery and the sense of achievement.

I’d give Three Forts Challenge a perfect score. The volunteers stationed along the route were incredibly helpful, and having checkpoints every mile made the marathon feel well-supported. We were lucky with the weather too—a gentle breeze across the hills added to the breathtaking views. It’s easily a highlight of my calendar, and I’ll definitely be returning next year.

Three Forts Challenge delivered an unforgettable experience with its stunning landscapes and well-stocked aid stations. The course is a bit hilly, but that just adds to the charm. Easily the best run I’ve done so far!

I gave a tentative thumbs up to the beginner-friendliness, but I do wonder if the six-hour time limit puts unnecessary pressure on participants. It might be worth extending it, perhaps by starting the marathon at 8:00 AM to grant an extra hour. Aside from that, it was a fantastic event with great support from the marshals. I also really appreciated the effort to reduce plastic waste by encouraging runners to bring their own bottles for refills instead of handing out cups.

I had an absolute blast at the Three Forts Challenge in Worthing! I enjoyed the event so much that I’m already training hard to be fast enough for the full marathon next year. The vibe was fantastic, largely thanks to the DJ and the Town Crier who really set the mood. I have two small suggestions for future organizers: First, the signage for parking could be clearer. When driving up from the A27, I followed other cars into the Allotments car park without realizing how close the college car park was. Better signs along that route would help prevent cars from clogging up residential streets, which is always a struggle since runners hate walking far before a race starts. Second, while the Facebook updates were timely and helpful, it wasn’t immediately obvious where to find the delicious cakes. I only remembered them later when I was still riding the post-race high! Big thanks to the team, especially for providing enough Portaloos—the pre-race queue moved incredibly fast.

Three Forts Challenge truly stands out thanks to the charming town crier, the engaging host with the microphone, and the enthusiastic volunteers who bring a unique spirit to the event.

While enjoying the Three Forts Challenge experience, I did notice one small hiccup with the compere during the finish line announcements. It might be worth refining his style, as some participants felt uneasy when he referred to the women as "darlings" or made comments about age in relation to the music. A slight adjustment to his phrasing could help ensure everyone feels comfortable and respected.

My first trail marathon at Three Forts Challenge was a fantastic experience. The route was well-marked with clear signage, and the regular refueling stations for food and drinks were a real lifesaver. Huge thanks to the marshalls for their constant support throughout the course. I really enjoyed the event!

Between the delicious cakes and the endless running, the desserts definitely win my vote. I’ve been participating in the Three Forts Challenge for years and absolutely love the atmosphere. I’m already training hard with the goal of tackling the marathon next!

Three Forts Challenge was incredibly well managed, and a huge thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to ensure the event was such a success.

Running the Three Forts Challenge in Brighton offered a solid opportunity for prep, as I was able to rehearse sections of the route during multiple training runs. The start isn’t for the faint-hearted; queuing up on that narrow footpath with everyone else can feel a bit overwhelming. On the bright side, the marshals and photographers were genuinely warm and encouraging, though a few course markers could have been clearer. Despite that, it’s definitely worth doing if you’re looking for a good trail challenge. One minor gripe: the organizers could make their Instagram settings more open so we can easily tag them in our posts and stories.

Running through the Sussex countryside was a highlight, and Three Forts Challenge delivered a top-tier experience. The logistics were seamless, with timely starts and a hassle-free bag drop, plus ample facilities for all participants. I tackled the 5-mile course, which offered a perfect balance of challenge and scenery, though the technical footpaths added some excitement. Although the route measured slightly short, it was a minor detail on such a beautiful day, especially since it was a new distance for the event. Kudos to the dedicated volunteers and organizers for a well-executed event. I highly recommend it and look forward to tackling the longer distances next time.

I read the terms and conditions before signing up for the Three Forts Challenge back in January, so I can’t claim I wasn’t aware of the rules. Unfortunately, a recent injury forced me to withdraw, and I was disappointed to find that Eventbrite wouldn’t allow a deferment or refund, even though I had a doctor’s certificate on file. It’s a hard lesson learned; unless the policy changes, I don’t think I’ll be entering this event again if it’s hosted through Eventbrite.

I had a fantastic time at the Three Forts Challenge! I tackled the 5-mile route with my dog and found the whole event to be brilliant. While the initial climb is quite a challenge, the scenery that follows is absolutely breathtaking. The organization was top-notch, and the volunteers were incredibly warm and helpful. Thanks for a memorable experience!

I took part in the Three Forts Challenge, and while the experience had its ups and downs, the snack stations were a highlight—they were well-stocked and offered a great variety of options. My main gripe was the parking, which was just on the street with no organized setup. Additionally, it was frustrating to find out that the T-shirts promised at the end weren’t actually provided to us.

The Three Forts Challenge is no joke—the time limit is incredibly tight. While the course tests your limits, I wish they had offered a metal medal instead.

Ho partecipato alla mezzamaratonia di Three Forts Challenge ed è stata un’esperienza indimenticabile grazie a un percorso ben segnalato e a dei ristori organizzatissimi con cibo e acqua di qualità. Il punto debole è stata la cerimonia di premiazione: nonostante sia arrivata prima donna, non c’è stato nemmeno il classico nastro di arrivo. È stata una vera delusione non vedere un podio dove festeggiare il primo posto dopo 21 km di fatica. Spero vivamente che la prossima edizione, con sede nel Regno Unito, riservi una riconoscenza ai migliori classificati, soprattutto sul palco per i primi tre uomini e le prime tre donne assolute.

A refreshing break with those sliced oranges at the Chanctonbury Ring rest area really made the Three Forts Challenge worthwhile. Looking forward to tackling the route again next year!

Had a fantastic time at the Three Forts Challenge in the UK! The whole thing was incredibly well organized, and the organizers were so friendly. The route itself was challenging but absolutely worth it—the scenery is just beautiful. If you are new to this, I’d highly recommend starting with the half marathon distance. My only suggestion for improvement would be to upgrade the finisher medals, even if it meant a slightly higher entry fee. Thanks for a brilliant day, Phil Maull

Three Forts Challenge delivers stunning scenery, making every step worthwhile. While the course definitely tests your stamina with those long, steep climbs, the relief of descending back down to the base makes the effort totally worth it.

I was disappointed that Three Forts Challenge didn't include the promised t-shirt in my registration pack, even though it was clearly listed on the entry form.

Great experience with Three Forts Challenge! The venue was lovely and the event was very well organized.

I tackled the Half Distance at Three Forts Challenge for the first time and was thoroughly impressed. The course offered stunning scenery, and the volunteers on the route were lovely. I also appreciated the smooth bag drop and the complimentary cake at the finish line. There was a bit of a mix-up with parking at the start, but otherwise, everything ran perfectly. I would highly recommend this event to anyone looking for a great race experience.

I entered the Three Forts Challenge as part of a personal mission to get healthier and truly become a runner. It was initially a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it sparked a huge change. I started off as a heavy smoker, but committing to this event and following the rigorous 16-week training plan gave me the push I needed to finally quit. I made sure to run the entire route during two of my long training sessions, which proved incredibly helpful on race day. The organization at the event was solid. Even though it’s a relatively intimate race, there were plenty of marshals and aid stations, and the course was largely well-signposted. I did find one tricky section just after Titch Hill Road where the path splits; signs could have been clearer there to prevent runners from veering onto the track to the right instead of the correct left turn through the gate. I almost got misled, though a helpful local runner clarified it for me. The atmosphere was wonderful, with encouraging marshals, supportive locals, and fellow runners. After the turn-back point at Devil’s Dyke, I felt the energy from the other participants. My preparation paid off, and I finished in under 4.5 hours, which was a pleasant surprise. The finish line moment was emotional—I was overwhelmed by the cheers, applause, and hearing my name called over the PA system as I entered the car park and playing field. I cried for a while before I could compose myself. I would highly recommend this event. It’s not unfriendly to newcomers, but be aware that it is a tough challenge if you aren’t already experienced with long-distance trail running. Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable day.

Hands down the best event I’ve ever participated in. It was a serious test of endurance, but I’m already looking forward to next year’s Three Forts Challenge, ready to come back fitter and stronger.

Three Forts Challenge remains a tough but rewarding event. I’ve done it several times, and the difficulty never fades. This year, the 3-hour cutoff for the first 15 miles felt very strict, and many runners who missed it were told the final 12 miles would be unsupported, yet most still managed to finish within the 6-hour overall limit. Aid stations offered fewer options this time, and water supply was restricted at some points. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s still an excellent race, and I plan to return.

The Three Forts Challenge offers a truly breathtaking course with excellent marshalling throughout. The water stations are well-stocked with nice snacks to keep you going, and the route is clearly marked and very well organized. With such great value for money, I’m already looking forward to doing it again!

Three Forts Challenge delivers a serious test of endurance. Be prepared for a grueling route with relentless climbs and uneven terrain that truly keeps you on your toes. It’s definitely not a walk in the park. The only letdown was the wayfinding; I had to stop and ask for directions three times because the markers were hard to spot, especially at junctions that seemed obvious. Still, I’d happily sign up for it again.

Hitting the 3-hour limit over 15.5 miles was indeed a close call for us at Three Forts Challenge. We crossed the line just in time, with only half an hour to spare before the strict cutoff. Given how tight that window felt, it might be worth reconsidering the time allowance for this distance.

I really appreciated the excellent support throughout the Three Forts Challenge. The regular aid stations and the volunteers who kept track of my bib number made me feel secure and well-managed. It was also great to see the organizers taking concrete steps to minimize plastic waste. The route is undeniably tough, but crossing the finish line made every bit of effort completely worthwhile.

Running the Three Forts Challenge was a fantastic experience. The event was incredibly well-organized with excellent marshaling and clearly marked routes. The hydration stations were well-stocked, which was a real bonus during the tough race. The atmosphere was wonderful, making the challenge feel rewarding rather than just grueling. My advice: definitely spend some time training on hilly trails before you tackle this course.

The Three Forts Challenge offers a well-organized half marathon experience with stunning vistas throughout the route. While there are some steep hills to tackle, the rewarding downhill sections make it a highly enjoyable run.

I had to bring my own water for the dogs at Three Forts Challenge since it wasn’t available after the run.

I would have appreciated a bit more structure regarding the arrival time to easily handle registration, the toilet break, and bag drop. On the plus side, the parking was very convenient.

Three Forts Challenge offers an exceptional experience for trail runners. The logistics were handled brilliantly, creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout. The scenery along the route is truly outstanding. I also appreciate that they offer a 5-mile option, which is a great addition for those who want to participate but aren’t yet ready for the longer distances.

I have completed the Three Forts Challenge four times so far, alternating between full and half distances. While the course is tough—especially that first hill and Humm—it creates unforgettable memories. A big thank you to the marshals and cake bakers; the aid stations truly offer some of the best food and support I’ve experienced in any race. I plan to return soon to chase a hat trick of full completions!

Three Forts Challenge is hands down the best marathon or half marathon I’ve done all year. The route offers stunning scenery and a fantastic atmosphere, while the organization is top-notch. I also really appreciated how simple the whole process was, from checking in and dropping off bags to the start line.

I’ve participated in the Three Forts Challenge about three times now, and it truly feels like a warm community event. The marshals along the course are incredibly supportive, and considering the quality of the experience, the entry fee is very reasonable. Great job organizing this!

It’s a real shame I had to pull out of the Three Forts Challenge today because of an injury. I was really looking forward to it. It would have been great if there had been a deferral option to the 2024 event so I can join up when I’m back on my feet.