Skip to contentSkip to footer

Event

Trek

Date

2 May 2026

Location

South coast

Fundraising Target

£235.00

South Downs Challenge

Join us on this special one-day challenge and tackle a breath-taking coastal section of the South Downs National Trail whilst raising vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Event

Trek

Date

2 May 2026

Location

South coast

Fundraising target

£235.00

Registration fee

£50.00

Distance

26 miles
RMCC trekkers smiling and waving at the camera on the cliffs of the South Downs during their trek

New Year Offer: sign up for just £25!

To celebrate the start of the year, we’re giving you 50% off your registration fee
Simply use code NY2026 at checkout. But hurry, this exclusive discount is only available until midnight 31 January 2026!

Take on a scenic adventure with the South Downs Challenge

How to take part

1. Register.

Whether you sign up by yourself or with a group, you will be trekking alongside fellow supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Registration is £50 per person. There are then two fundraising options you can choose from a minimum sponsorship option or you can choose to self fund your challenge. 

If you choose the minimum sponsorship option, you pledge to raise £235 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the charity will pay your challenge costs. If you choose the self funder option, you will pay the event organisers, Charity Challenge the challenge costs of £115 nine weeks before the event. When you self-fund there is no minimum target but we hope you will try and raise as much as you can for the amazing work of The Royal Marsden.

2. Fundraise.

You will have a dedicated member of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity team on hand to help you with advice and tips on fundraising. We will be there for you every step of the way!

3. Get ready for the day.

Our partners at Charity Challenge will provide everything you need to help get you trek ready including training plans and discounts for any new gear you might need to purchase.

4. Take on the trail for The Royal Marsden! 

Join us in 2026 and take on the South Downs Way!

The South Downs Way Route

Join Team Marsden to discover the beauty of the South Downs while raising vital funds for ground-breaking cancer research.

  1. Begin the trail at Brighton Racecourse.
  2. Head into the beautiful hills of the South Downs National Park.
  3. Continue east up to the far-reaching views of Firle Beacon.
  4. Pass through the charming village of Alfriston before reaching the coastal path.
  5. Continue along the seafront, enjoying the stunning views of the Seven Sisters.
  6. Finish by rounding Beachy Head and reaching the Eastbourne seafront.
Route map image for the South Downs Challenge 2025

What's included when I join Team Marsden? 

Your registration includes:

  • Your very own Royal Marsden Cancer Charity t-shirt to wear on the day.
  • A 12.5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow and Rock and Runners need.
  • Support and fundraising advice from a dedicated member of staff at The Royal Marsden and training support via your charity challenge account.
  • On the day you will also receive a well deserved medal to celebrate your achievement!
RMCC trekkers smiling and hugging at the end of their trek after the South Downs Challenge 2025

Every step counts

Sue and her daughter Abbie took on the South Downs Trek - a 26-mile walk across the beautiful South Downs – to give back to the hospital that supported Sue throughout her cancer treatment. 

“We did it for one reason only – to give a little back for all the fantastic treatment and support I received from the amazing staff at The Royal Marsden.

The day was amazing – from the people we met to the wonderful challenge leaders, helped by having such lovely weather.” 

Thanks to supporters like Sue and Abbie, we continue to fund vital research and care for all those affected by cancer.

Two RMCC trekkers at the end of the South Downs Trek smiling to the camera holding their medals next to the food table.

On challenge day, your safety and enjoyment is our priority.

On the day you will also have:

  • Fully qualified Charity Challenge leaders to support and guide you through the trek.
  • Safety checkpoints along the whole route including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies.
  • Packed lunch, snacks, drinks and water.

Still got questions? Find out more on Charity Challenge's website.

Signage on the route pointing right to the South Downs Way for the South Downs Challenge

Event Accessibility

  • Charity Challenge encourage people who might require additional support to get in touch with their team by emailing challenges@charitychallenge.com
  • They will aim to offer as much support as possible, and will help you decide if this challenge is suitable for you.
  • Support may include an additional guide on the challenge, or a support walker being brought on.

Team Marsden Gallery