West Sussex - Festival of Running - 8 hour Timed Event

Saturday 24 July 2027

  • Saturday 24 July 2027
  • 12:00
  • £49.95 (8 Hour Timed Event - UnAf)
  • £47.95 (8 hour Timed Event - Affi)

Blackland Farm, Grinstead Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4HP, West Sussex, RH19 4HP

West Sussex - Festival of Running - 8 hour Timed Event

Phoenix West Sussex's Festival of Running is back for a second year on the 24th and 25th July 2027 with a number of different race formats.

Landmark Running Celebration
This is more than a race; it's a landmark celebration of the entire Phoenix Running West Sussex community, and you're invited. We are thrilled to host this 24-hour event, a festival designed to bring runners together for a weekend of challenge, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

Our mission is simple: to welcome runners of all abilities to a unique festival atmosphere set against the beautiful back of Blackland Farm. Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner or looking for your next big adventure, you'll find a place with us.

The course will be a 1 mile lap but how will you decide to run it? What adventure will you choose?

The Challenge: A Race Format for Every Ambition
This festival is built around the idea that every runner has a unique goal. Our diverse race options are designed to cater to a wide range of ambitions, from the ultimate solo endurance tests to strategic, team-based relays. Find the format that speaks to you and join us at the start line.

  • The 24-Hour Solo: This is your chance to dig deep, discover your limits, and see what you're truly made of over 24 hours.  
    Entry Fee: Affiliated is £107.95 | Unaffiliated is £109.95

 

  • The 12-Hour Solo: This is your chance to dig deep, discover your limits, and see what you're truly made of over 12 hours.  
    Entry Fee: Affiliated is £77.95 | Unaffiliated is £79.95                            

     
  • The 24-Hour Team Relay: Team of between 2 and 8 persons. Grab your teammates and dive into the strategy and camaraderie of our 24-hour relay. It's the perfect way to share the miles and the memories. Please can all Team members include their Team name on the entry application.
    Entry Fee per person: Affiliated is £67.95 | Non-affiliated is £69.95                                              

     
  • The P24 Challenge: The ultimate test of pacing and endurance: complete one 1-mile lap on the hour, every hour, for 24 consecutive hours. 
    Entry Fee: Affiliated £67.95 | Non-affiliated is £69.95                               

     
  • The P12 Challenge: The 12-hour version of the P24, offering a formidable test of consistency for solo runners looking to conquer a half-day challenge. 
    Entry fee: Affiliated £47.95 | Non-affiliated is £49.95

 

  • The 8-Hour Solo: This is your chance to run the distance of your choice within this time frame. This entry allows you to stay overnight and camp.
    Entry Fee: Affiliated £47.95  | Non-affiliated is £49.95

 

  • The 7-hour Sunrise Run: The event starts from 5am on the final day of the festival.  Join us early and run the distance of your choice within this time frame so that you are finished at 12 noon.          Entry Fee: Affiliated £37.95  | Non-affiliated is £39.95

 

All events (except the Sunrise Run) will start together in a grand display of community at 12 noon, regardless of the challenge they choose. And no matter which challenge you embrace, you'll be doing it on a course designed to be as beautiful as it is demanding.

The Venue: Blackland Farm
Blackland Farm is more than just a location; it's an integral part of the festival experience. This stunning activity venue provides the perfect scenic escape, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the run and the vibrant community around you.

Each 1-mile lap is a journey in itself. You'll start and finish in the buzz of the main camping field, run along a "beautiful tree line grass alley" with expansive views, and then dip into a peaceful woodland section before looping back to the cheers of the festival.

The course is entirely off-road, running on a mix of grass and compact trail. The "undulating" profile provides enough variety to keep your legs guessing and your mind engaged, lap after lap. But the experience doesn't end with the trail; it extends to the vibrant festival atmosphere in our dedicated camping area.

The Festival Experience: Run, Camp, and Celebrate
The real magic of a 24-hour event happens off the trail. Camping is what transforms this race into a full-on festival, creating a vibrant hub of energy that lasts from the buzzing start line, through the quiet support of the midnight laps, to the shared celebration of a sunrise. It's a place to rest, refuel, and connect with your fellow runners.

We offer two convenient camping options:

  • Pitch Your Own Tent: A pitch for your tent is included in the entry price, offering fantastic value and flexibility and allows Teams to share the camping experience.

 

  • Bell Tent Upgrade: For ultimate convenience, upgrade to a pre-pitched Bell Tent. These spacious tents accommodate four people comfortably, so all you need to bring is your sleeping bag. Please note, Bell Tents are limited in number, so we highly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.   Please note for people wishing to share, the they will sleep 4 people and only one person eds to book the tent for the entire group.  The cost is £40 per Bell Tent, find details to purchase in the Merchandise section.  If you also wish to purchase a bed and mattress for your Bell tent then please add this onto your purchase, they are £10 per person.

 

After a day on the trail and a night under the stars, a well-earned reward awaits every finisher.

Your Rewards: More Than Just a Finish Line
If you enter before the 1st October you will get 15% discount off event entry and a bespoke West Sussex Festival of Running sports t-shirt.   Use code J4N6DPJFLJ at checkout.

We believe every finish line is a victory. That's why we celebrate your achievement with rewards you'll be proud to earn. Every participant will receive:

  • A fabulous bespoke finisher's medal

Secure Your Spot in this event.

Entries for this event will be limited. Don't leave it too late to enter and miss out on this incredible celebration of running!
 


Please note, as per UK Athletics rules, distance restrictions apply to participants ages 20 or under, for more information please read our full terms & conditions available here - https://www.phoenixrunning.co.uk/tandc

We provide a physical running service and by entering our events you are purchasing an actual run, either by attending our events or by running the event virtually yourself. All participants in our events, both attended and virtual, will receive a free giveaway medal / memento from your run.