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The Trail Trot
We’re back for 2026!
After a successful inaugural year as The River Run Marathon, we’re excited to welcome runners to the newly rebranded The Trail Trot 5K, 10K, Marathon and 50K.
We’ve listened to your feedback and made improvements to create one of the best running events in the South East of England. You won’t want to miss the Downlands races across the beautiful South Downs! - Whether you’re a trail enthusiast or a road runner, there’s a distance for everyone.
Starting on the grounds of Lancing College, the 5K and 10K routes head towards the scenic Lancing Ring, while the Marathon and 50K take runners on a more challenging journey towards Cissbury, Chanctonbury, and Steyning. All distances showcase the stunning South Downs landscapes and offer a mix of trail, pathway, and town footpaths.
The Trail Trot is part of The South Coast Series and will be a key fixture of the series.
Calling All Trotters
The 2026 Trail Trot events bring a few exciting updates following their inaugural year. The start and finish for all distances will remain on the grounds of Lancing College.
Runners in the 5K and 10K will head towards Lancing Ring, enjoying smooth trails and scenic views. Marathon and 50K runners will journey further, following the Downs Link and paths towards Cissbury, Chanctonbury, and Steyning, before returning to the finish at Lancing College.
Runners will be split into different waves to avoid congestion. The course GPX files for all distances will be updated once any new paths or bridge access points are confirmed.
Official Partner of The Trail Trot
Lancing College is a historic landmark in the south of Sussex, and we have the amazing privilege of being allowed to use it as the base for The Rings. The race will start and finish on the historic grounds, beneath the breathtaking chapel.