Underneath and on top of the White Cliffs of Dover!
The Battle of Britain raged over the skies of England from July to October 1940 and on a sunny day standing in Dover you probably would have had a very different view from that you see today.All is peaceful now at Samphire Hoe but once it was very different. This event is designed to bring you a little bit of the experience of that time and to commemorate those who fought so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today.
SVN Social Distanced Events July 2020 onwards
This will be a challenging event as you'll be running both under the White Cliffs of Dover, and then ascend through them to run along the top of them also! Each 8.76 mile loop will have around 650' of ascent, on the plus side, also 650' of descent! The course will be a figure of 8 loop with a loop around the trails of Samphire Hoe and a larger loop along the North Downs Way and Cycle Way 2.
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. The event will be a six hour timed challenge event. Complete as many loops as you wish within the time limit.
There is some wildlife to keep an eye out for, you'll be able to see what's going on at both Dover and Folkestone Harbours, there will no doubt be some ships to see and some trains to spot too for good measure not to mention a little bit of fun at the turnaround on the cliffs which is a sound mirror!
We put on events run exactly the way we wish they were all run. Low key, friendly and with most of the entry fee being spent on the runners. Please consider joining us on the Kent Coast!
It's our aim that this event makes an impactful difference to Samphire Hoe in a positive fashion and as such £5 from each entry fee will be donated directly to the nature reserve to aid them in maintaining this lovely environment.
Course Information & Photos
Can be found on the location information page here.
The total elevation gain is about 650' per loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please also see our general SVN FAQ that cover all of our events. which you can read here.
Where is the event?
Samphire Hoe - CT17 9FL - Please check our Samphire Hoe information page for more information.
When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day morning from the race base camp.
Are there time limits?
Yes, six hours to run as many laps as you can. You can finish at any time within the 6 hours and your final distance will be recorded along with your finishing time. Only complete laps within the 6 hours will be recorded or you must have left the aid station for your last lap by 6.00 after the start.. Any runner completing 3 laps will have completed an official marathon (by 100 Marathon Club standards) of about 26.2 miles, 4 laps or more will have completed an ultra. As long as you finish one lap then you'll receive an official finish time, medal and goody bag. With timed events there are no DNFs.
Do you have secure baggage facilities
No. But you're free to leave bags at the start/finish. There will always be someone around but we can't guarantee their security. You'll be able to park close to the start/finish don't forget.
Can I leave my own drinks/food at the aid station?
Yes no problem at all, we have a dedicated table for runners own supplies if they have anything special that they'd like to bring along..
Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Road shoes should be fine. Its 99% on perfect surfaces, you might have a couple of pebbles to step around, but otherwise all on sealed tarmac/concrete/gravel and a couple of wooden bridges. Even after heavy rain the surfaces tend to be very good.
Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are on a public nature reserve. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land, there may be fisherman on the sea wall part and dog walkers, ramblers or cyclists on any part of the course. Please don't litter. We'll have a bin at the base camp, please use this and there are several bins on the route too.
Are there any facilities at the start/finish area?
Yes there are toilets (open from 7:00) by the car park near the start/finish. There is also some information about the reserve and a small cafe (but it may not be open!)
Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to traffic, people, children on bikes, wildlife and so on.
Location Information
Please visit our Samphire Hoe information page for general parking, directions and local area information about public transport, hotels etc.
General SVN FAQ
