Suffolk Coastal Path 50K

Our 50K race is considered a fast and approachable event for all runners. Unlike our other ultras this race is predominately flat and will allow you to keep a consistent pace during the entire 50K.

The terrain is a mixture of paved paths, dirt trails and country lanes and this will suit anyone transitioning to trail running from a road running background. The main challenge at this event is to ensure you pace the first 75% of the race at a manageable speed to leave enough in the tank for the last stretch.

No, there are no qualifying standards required to enter this race.

Our route will be marked throughout with orange signage/ribbons, along with marshals at several key points. Course checkers will be out during the race ensuring that signage remains in place.

We ask runners to make sure they have access to the route via a phone or watch, to act as a backup in an emergency.

There is an overall 9-hour time limit for this race. Checkpoint cut-offs are CP1 Benacre 10:45, CP2 Reydon 12:20, CP3 Dunwich Church 14:30 and CP4 Sizewell 16:40, and the finish closes at 17:30.

There will be portable toilets at the start and fixed toilets at the finish. Toilets will also be available at all four checkpoints. The route also passes many public toilets along the coast line.

No, unfortunately we cannot provide changing facilities at this event.

As this race starts and finishes in different locations you will need to think about how to get to/back to your car. The easiest option is to take advantage of our coach service. We have two options, either parking at the finish and taking the coach to the start before the race, or parking at the start and returning after you have finished the race.

We would recommend light trail running shoes for this race. The paths are non-technical, but there will be plenty of varied and uneven terrain. There are several sections on paved paths and country lanes, so don't wear anything too minimal, unless you are used to it. Some runners have opted for road running shoes in the past, but please only do this if you are confident in maintaining stability on uneven or soft ground.

There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.

Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done by loading the GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.

If you don't have a GPS watch we would recommend using OS Maps (£20/year) or Strava Premium (£48/year).

If you are taking the pre-race coach, park at Thorpe Road Car Park in Aldeburgh (IP16 4NR), where the coaches depart. If you are parking at the start, Pakefield Road Car Park in Lowestoft is a short walk from Kensington Gardens.

Yes, there is a bag drop at the start and all bags will be transported to the finish in Aldeburgh. Please keep your bag no larger than a standard backpack.

There are four checkpoints: Benacre (12.3km), Reydon (21.1km), Dunwich Church (32.9km) and Sizewell (45.2km).

Checkpoints stock water, Coke, Precision Fuel & Hydration electrolyte drink, gels and chews, flapjacks and biscuits, fruit, crisps and sweets, with sandwiches from CP2 onwards. This is a cupless race, so please bring a soft cup or bottle if you would like to take on fluids at the aid stations.

Please see the full list in the kit section above.

Yes, crews are permitted at CP4 (Sizewell) and at suggested locations outside the checkpoints, such as Southwold Pier (~22.75km) and Walberswick Common (~27km). Crewing is not permitted at the first three checkpoints due to limited space and parking.

No

Yes, this is a UTMB World Series Index race in the 50K category. The race is also licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UKA rules.

The men's course record is 03:14:30, set by Jamie Pond in 2024. The women's course record is 03:59:07, set by Lizzie Keep in 2024.

Live results are available immediately after the race on our website, and a selection of race photos will be available to download for free 24-48 hours after the event.