2027 Race to the King Ultra Marathon

About the Race to the King

Write your own piece of history in the heart of the South Downs as you chase the King from ancient coast to sweeping ridges.

Whether you are a first time Ultra runner or a hardened professional there is something to test everyone in this ultra-accessible figure of 8 ultramarathon challenge. The hardest part might just be waving goodbye to your supporters at the festival camp for your second loop.

50km Coastal Route takes you along the coastal path of Chichester Harbour AONB, through the picturesque ancient village of Bosham. If castles are your thing, the 50km Castle Route winds along the River Arun, past Arundel Castle and up along the South Downs Way before heading back to the finish line.

Take on the Race to the King 2027

Whether you already have your own place or you'd like a charity place, join Team Cancer Research UK for the Race to the King and play your part in supporting vital cancer research.

What's included?

• Training programme tailored to all levels.

• Fully signposted trails for navigation in day and night conditions.

• Routes through heritage sites, AONBs and along National Trails.

• Fully stocked pit stops including cereal bars, chocolate, sweets, fresh fruit, crisps, sandwiches and more.

• Hot meals, showers, drinks and sports nutrition.

• Bag transport to the finish.

• Qualified medical personnel at all pit-stops and medical clinics at basecamp and finish points.

• Finisher’s medal.

• Individual chip timing throughout the event.

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

Decide whether you'll enter with your own place or get a charity place.

Step: 2

Sign up to get Team Cancer Research UK perks.

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research.

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target.

Why run for Cancer Research UK?

Meet Rika

My favourite moment was the Cancer Research UK cheer point, where my beautiful daughter and incredible husband were cheering me on!

- Rika

Rika joined Team Cancer Research UK in 2025, running in memory of her Mum.

"I relied on Cancer Research UK to learn more about breast cancer when my mum was diagnosed. Educating myself was a productive way to try and process everything. I eventually lost my mum to breast cancer in March 2020. It was a no brainer when it came to choosing a charity to raise money for. My mum was a gym bunny, so I thought she’d find it funny that I was going to be running in her memory. I enjoyed every single mile."

The difference your money makes

70 CRUK participants taking part in the Race to the Stones

Hitting their fundraising targets to raise £57,000

Could fund a research assistant at a Cancer Research UK lab for 2 years

Team Cancer Research UK runners receive

A personalised Cancer Research UK running t-shirt or vest

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Fundraising support to help you smash your target

An official finisher’s medal for completing your race

Support on the day at cheer points along the route

Resources

Get training support

We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.

Get fundraising support

We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.

Get kitted out

We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.