Race Review: Race to the King

Stepping foot in Chichester for the first time, I was immediately captivated by the South Downs, a trail that has witnessed the strides of many great runners. Filled with optimism, I embarked on the Race to the King 50 km Coastal Route, a challenge I deemed shorter than the ultras I’ve conquered before. The anticipation of a new experience fueled my determination. 

The Race to the King, a thrilling event by Threshold Trail Series, offers a variety of routes: a gruelling 100km non-stop, a scenic 50km Coastal Loop, and a historic 50km Castle Loop, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. 

The full 100k course at Race to the King is a testament to endurance, consisting of two 50km loops: a flat and fast Coastal loop around Chichester harbour, followed by the undulating Castle loop along the South Downs ridge. Both routes start and end at the Race Village in West Dean Gardens, a hub of comfort and convenience. Here, you can replenish with hot food and access your drop bag, ensuring a seamless race experience. 

I took on the relatively flat coastal route, which is exceptionally runnable the whole way around. Passing around Chichester Harbour, you take in the ancient fishing village of Bosham before gently climbing back onto the South Downs. 

Despite the race being shorter and flatter than my previous routes, it presented a new challenge. The trail was so easily defined that walking felt like a waste of time. Starting at 7:30 am on Saturday, 15th June, I was among many newbie ultrarunners, all of us ready to take on our newest challenge. 

Setting off, the rain was present, but I was optimistic that 50km was a great distance to push my speed at times, especially on such a runnable course. With only 500m of elevation across the course, you can experience a distance without worrying too much about technical footpaths and elevation gain.