South Downs Relay: A Day of Challenge, Camaraderie and Club Pride

On the first Saturday of June, often under blazing sunshine, members of the Milers will once again take on one of the most iconic team running events in the South East: the South Downs Way 100 Mile Relay.

Starting at the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head in the early hours of the morning, teams of six runners work together to move a relay baton westwards across the South Downs. Over the course of 18 stages, runners tackle three non-consecutive legs each before eventually arriving in Chilcomb, near Winchester, after covering the full 100-mile route.

Along the way, the course passes some of Sussex’s most famous landmarks. Within the opening miles alone, runners encounter the Seven Sisters, Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven, Alfriston and Bo Peep. It’s a route that showcases the very best of the South Downs National Park, making it as memorable as it is challenging.

Why We Love It

The South Downs Relay is much more than just another race.

For many Milers, the event feels like racing on home turf. With so many club members living in the shadow of the Downs and having strong connections to Sussex, representing the club alongside teams from across Sussex and Hampshire adds an extra layer of pride.

But perhaps the biggest draw is the team element. Unlike most running events, where success rests solely on individual performance, every runner here plays a crucial role. Knowing that five teammates are relying on you to deliver your leg creates a unique sense of responsibility and motivation.

It’s a day built around teamwork, encouragement and shared achievement.

A Proud History

The South Downs Way Relay began in 1991 with just 28 teams of six runners. More than three decades later, it regularly attracts over 50 teams, making it one of the region’s most popular relay events.

The Milers first entered in 1994 and quickly embraced the challenge. During the 1990s, the club often fielded three separate teams, including an A Team, a Ladies Team and a Veterans Team.

Today, competition for places within the club is fierce enough that only one team of six gets the opportunity to represent the Milers, making selection a significant achievement in itself.

Meet This Year's Team

Taking on the challenge this year are Emily, Lilla, Paul, Rob, Neil and Eliza.

Each runner will cover three relay legs, with total distances ranging from approximately 14 to 17 miles. Every stage presents its own unique test, whether it's steep climbs, fast descents or technical trails.

The day begins long before sunrise. With alarms set for 4am, Emily will start proceedings from Beachy Head, carrying the baton on its first journey across the Downs.

Later in the day, Lilla takes on one of the relay's most exciting stages, running into Cocking.

As she puts it:

"It's the real glory leg... ending at the Cocking changeover point – nothing like zooming down that steep hill into the field full of Milers cheering you in."

Making her relay debut this year, Eliza faces one of the toughest assignments on the course. Her leg from Cocking to Harting includes over 1,100 feet of climbing and is widely regarded as one of the most demanding sections of the entire relay.

As the day draws towards evening, Neil has the honour of bringing the baton home. He will tackle the final leg into Chilcomb, where the rest of the team will be waiting to celebrate crossing the finish line together.

More Than Just Running

While the physical challenge is considerable, ask anyone who has taken part and they'll tell you that the memories are about far more than the miles.

It's about spending an entire day together, supporting one another, sharing the highs and lows, and enjoying plenty of laughs along the way.

Paul sums it up perfectly:

"It's full on, tough but huge fun spending the day with five talented, sweaty friends!"

Emily agrees:

"It's definitely about the team you've got around you, and I guarantee you'll be laughing as much as you're running, with memories to last a lifetime. I can't wait."

Good Luck, Milers!

The South Downs Relay is one of those rare events that combines competition, endurance, friendship and club pride in equal measure. As this year's team heads out onto the trails, they'll be carrying not only the relay baton, but also the support of the entire club.

Good luck, Milers — we'll all be cheering you on.