South Downs Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

Hi I would be travelling to do the half marathon from central London / is it possible to get here by public transport?  And would I have to stay somewhere nearby as would be fairly pushing it to get there on the morning? Thank you anyone who can help!

Boom, and indeed, boom, Limper!

 I meant, obviously, between the start and finish locations for transport, not the following of the race route!

Pantman wrote (see)

Boom, and indeed, boom, Limper!

 I meant, obviously, between the start and finish locations for transport, not the following of the race route!

Don't think it fills up that quickly TBH.

For the OP, the half and 5k start and finish at the QE Park. Nearest train station is likely to be Petersfield and taxi to QE Park.

The marathon - it's doable, I came down by train last year, arrived in enough time for the middle wave. Will be doing the same this year and there's usually a couple of people so you can share a cab.

To get home you can either get a taxi or the (hourly?) bus to Petersfield station. It may be cheaper to get a return ticket to Havant where the two train lines join as this means you can come down on one line (Victoria to Arundel) and return on another ( Petersfield to Waterloo). I've generally been lucky enough to get offers of lifts from lovely folk such as the frog above to the station.

Holly - I've just realised you are doing the half. Should be pretty straightforward getting a cab from Petersfield and you are unlikely to be alone.

The race hasn't always filled up very quickly but has been featured in RW which does tend to speed things up. I've done it since 2008 and it's one of my favourites. weather is usually great too.

Go for it Holly . It is  a tough race but very enjoyable - unless you are fairly superhuman you will be walking some of the hills but so will everybody else. It was my first marathon and I come back every year.

Although the water stations are good you may want to take extra hydration as it's quite exposed and can get very warm. It's also wise to keep something in the tank for the last 5 miles which are by no means straightforward even if the big hills are behind you.

There is a van to take your bags to the finish (very well organised). You can also get tea / coffee etc. at the start I believe but beware the long toilet queues. 

hello all...may i join you? am thinking of doing this marathon and using it as a training run. looked at the website last night and the scenery looks amazing and superb!!! also looked very hot !! what were the temps for the this event last year?

hi limper!! *waves*

Welcome loulabell. I don't want to jinx it but each time I've done this the weather has been sunny but not unbearable (22-23degrees maybe), possibly due to there being a bit of a breeze. Some parts are shaded by trees. I've always just worn a vest and shorts but I would recommend bringing suncream and maybe a cap.

As long as the weather holds out the finish is a good place to sit around on the grassy slopes  snacking and watching others come in.

It's tough but not impossible. i have run the route and all the hills are doable - ie you can run up them. (it bypasses the toughest hills  )

like most of the marathons over the South Downs, there is a fair spread of abilities. I have seen walkers in all of them, some from very early on.

I was thinking of running the half but appear to have had my arm twisted to do other things ... again. Next year, next year. One day I shall run the marathon.

Get your hill training in, you'll need it.