Take on a scenic adventure with the South Downs Challenge
At 26 miles in a single day, the South Downs Challenge is not for the faint of heart, but the breath-taking views and the sense of achievement at the finish line will be unrivalled!
Join Team Marsden for an unforgettable trek organised especially for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity by our amazing partners at Charity Challenge!
On this page:
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 £45 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 £100 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!
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.
- Begin the trail just outside of Brighton.
- Head into the beautiful hills of the South Downs National Park.
- Continue east up to the far-reaching views of Firle Beacon.
- Pass through the charming village of Alfriston before reaching the coastal path.
- Continue along the seafront, enjoying the stunning views of the Seven Sisters.
- Finish by rounding Beachy Head and reaching the Eastbourne seafront.
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!
Every step counts
Gemma chose to take on the South Downs Trek to thank The Royal Marsden for the care her mum received after a throat cancer diagnosis.
“I signed up while my mum was going through treatment. The team there couldn't have been a better support for her, every step of the way, so I wanted to find a challenge to hopefully help me raise some money as a thank you for that support.
"I raised more than I thought I could, and the South Downs Challenge itself was an amazing achievement for myself. It was extremely well organised; the staff were so encouraging and highly experienced. They kept us fed, watered and smiling throughout. The scenery was stunning!”
Thanks to supporters like Gemma, we continue to fund vital research and care for all those affected by cancer.
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.
Team Marsden gallery
