The Housedean Half

Question 1

Are crews allowed?

Accepted Answer

No crews are not allowed for this race, if you have forgotten something or need something dropped off to you during the race that is completely fine. We have worked with the local councils to ensure that aid station locations will not become congested so please do not get your friends/family to visit you at aid station spots.

Question 2

Are there any road crossings or gates/ stiles to negotiate?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are gates and stiles to negotiate. There is only one point of the course where you will have to cross a veru quiet country road which is based towards the end of race lane, this is only for The Half Marathon. The 10K route is enitrely based on the trail paths and will not cross any road.

Question 3

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at info@uktrainingclub.co.uk for any questions at all.

Question 4

How many aid stations are there?

Accepted Answer

This depends which race you are taking part in and will be shared on that races Aid Station section.

The Housedean Half will have a minimum of 3 Aid Stations. The 10K will also share aid stations with the Half.

Question 5

Is there a minimum qualification standard to achieve before I can enter?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no minimum qualification required for any of our races.

Question 6

Is there mandatory gear to carry on race day?

Accepted Answer

No there isn't mandatory gear, just ensure you are wearing your race Bib.

As we are a cupless event we encourage runners to bring their own reusable cup - if you do not have one and would like a UKTC cup to use at all events head to our shop or we will be selling them on race day from our pop up UKTC shop.

Question 7

What are the prizes?

Accepted Answer

Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd finishers for both male and female.

Runners finishing in the Top 3 will be awarded Free Entry to the event the following year.

Depending on what sponsors can donate as prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers.

Question 8

What do I get for my entry fee?

Accepted Answer

Finishers Medal
Access to fully stocked aid stations
Pre race video brief
Fully marked course
Full Medical Support in the form of dedicated race ambulances and roving vehicles as well as static first aid teams and medical volunteers at aid stations.
Finish Line food and drinks
Half Marathon distances and further will have the option to pay for a tailored post race massage by a team of trained massage therapists after the race.
Option to purchase a finishers t-shirt
Race Photos

Question 9

What happens if I need to drop out?

Accepted Answer

If you need to drop out of the race, it is your responsibility to get back to where you need to get to but we will endeavor to help you as much as we can. If you have to drop please do so only at an aid station. Please inform the aid station captain on arrival that you intend to drop and whether you need assistance. You MUST hand in your bib number back to race HQ (race director) so that we can make sure you arent classified as a missing runner.

If you need to drop out away from an aid station in an emergency, you must phone Race HQ immediately on the number provided at check in.

If you drop at an aid station, the Aid Station Captains will inform you what time it will be possible to get get transport through to the finish with the sweeper bus. The bus will be on patrol working as a supply for aid stations and also for runners at the time of the cut off so please be patient with and respect our volunteers and the shuttle bus driver. If it is imperative that you get away immediately you will be given other options involving local transport services.

Question 10

What happens if the event is cancelled or abandoned?

Accepted Answer

Race management reserves the right to modify, at any time, the course or aid station locations listed.

In the case of severe/ extreme weather conditions including but not limited to flooding after the event starts, race management reserves the right to abandon the event at any time.

No refunds will be offered in that situation but a suitable alternative will always be sought. If the event cannot take place for reasons out of the control of race management including but not limited to flooding, severe weather or denial of access to the original course (foot and mouth outbreak for example), race management reserve the right to postpone the event to a later date and all entries will be carried forward to the new date. Refunds may not be offered under these circumstances. Event cancellation due to reasons such as Coronavirus or other such pandemic, public health, local authority travel and movement restrictions and bans of any kind etc. are beyond our control and no refund will be given in such circumstances. If the event is cancelled for reasons which require the event to be postponed indefinitely, race management reserves the right to retain all entry fees against costs incurred.

Question 11

What time does the race start?

Accepted Answer

Race times vary depending on what race you are taking part in.

For specific times please head to the race page for your chosen race. Any changes to race times will be communicated from the race director to runners in the months/weeks leading up to the event.

Question 12

When do general entries open/can I enter on race day?

Accepted Answer

As we have to hire event sites from the council, we have to wait after each event to have an evaluation as to if we can host it again. In some cases it can take upwards of a month to get the green light but once we are live all existing runners will be emailed and we will communicate across multiple channels that we are live again.There will be no entries permitted on the day under any circumstances.

Question 13

Where is the finish?

Accepted Answer

For the River Run, River Dash and Rings the start and finish will always be at The Adur Recreation Ground.

For the Housedean Half, the start and finish will be located at Housedean Farm.

Question 14

Where should I park?

Accepted Answer

Housdean Farm has parking outside the farm as well as a few places within the farm. The farm is just located off the A27 and it is a sharp turn onto the farm but if you miss the turning you will have to drive further to the roundabout and turn around.

For the Housedean Farm you do have the option to catch the bus as the bus stop is right outside the farm.

Further information for parking can be found here for the Housedean Farm https://www.housedean.co.uk/

Question 15

Will I get a Finishers Medal?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a medal for all of our running events.

Question 16

Will there be live updates during the race for friends and family to follow?

Accepted Answer

Runners will not have Live Tracking so we cannot give live updates for each runner.

Question 17

Will there be toilets at the start/ finish or on the race route?

Accepted Answer

There will be toilets at the start/finish for all of our races. If there are toilets on the course these will be shown on the course map and communicated to runners. With many of our races taking part in areas which are public land/areas of outstanding beauty it can be difficult to get permission to put portable toilets along the course but we do our best to ensure we can or plan routes that have open public toilets.

Question 18

What are the routes like?

Accepted Answer

Route and elevation

Half Marathon: Flat/Hilly: The half marathon follows the picturesque paths around Housedean up to the hill before Offham. Runners can expect a scenic, peaceful run through the countryside with a few climbs, making it ideal for those seeking a steady pace or those that wanted to be crowned the Champion of Housedean.

10k: The 10KM route also follows the picturesque paths around Housedean up to the hill before Offham. Runners can expect a scenic, peaceful run through the countryside with a fewer climbs than the Half Marathon, making it ideal for those seeking a steady pace or those that wanted to be crowned the Champion of Housedean.

Question 19

Staying at Housedean

Accepted Answer

Staying at Housedean Farm - Sleeping at the Start

Make your race weekend extra special by staying right at Housedean Farm — a beautiful, peaceful retreat nestled in the South Downs. With glamping tents and spacious camping pitches, you’ll wake up just steps from the start line and enjoy a relaxed, stress-free race morning surrounded by stunning countryside views.

Housedean offers modern facilities to make your stay comfortable, including hot showers, clean toulets, drinking water and on-site parking. There’s also a farm shop and cafe nearby, so you can grab a pre-race coffee or refuel after your run.

After the race, unwind on the farm, take a stroll through the fields, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere — it’s the perfect way to round off your Housedean experience.

Question 20

Directions to the event at Housedean Farm

Accepted Answer

Housedean is nestled directly on the South Downs Way providing an ideal base for exploring the eastern half of the National Park. The site is directly off the eastbound carriageway of the A27. The Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference is TQ368092 and can be found on OS Explorer Map 122.

Sat Nav

The postcode for Sat Nav is BN7 3JW.
Please be aware that this may take you to the top of a slip road that runs parallel with the A27. Housedean Farm Campsite is located at the opposite end (east) of this slip road.

Arriving from the West

When heading East on the A27, pass the University of Sussex on the left and the American Express Football Stadium on the right. Follow the A27 for a further 1 mile. Upon emerging from a tunnel of trees you will soon see a bridge crossing the A27. Turn left immediately after the bridge into the layby and you will see Housedean Farm in front of you.

Arriving from the East

When heading West on the A27, follow signs to Brighton. After passing the Ashcombe/Kingston roundabout, you will soon see the Newmarket Inn on the left. After a further 0.5 miles, before the bridge over the A27, turn left into the layby (signposted Housedean Farm). Go over the bridge and follow the signs to the farm.

Question 21

Parking

Accepted Answer

Parking:

Limited parking is available directly at Housedean Farm, just off the A27 between Lewes and Brighton (postcode BN7 3JW). Please follow event signage and marshals on arrival — parking will be in the main farm access area and adjacent lay-by.
Spaces are very limited, so we strongly encourage car sharing wherever possible.

Alternative Parking & Drop-off:
If the main car park is full, there are small lay-bys on both sides of the A27 near the farm entrance, suitable for short-term drop-off or limited additional parking. Please park safely, well off the carriageway, and do not block farm or emergency access.

Public Transport:
The Number 28/29 Brighton–Lewes–Uckfield bus route stops directly outside Housedean Farm (the stop is called “Housedean Farm”).

From Brighton, buses run approximately every 20–30 minutes and take around 20 minutes.
From Lewes, the journey takes about 10 minutes.
This is a great option if you want to avoid parking or travel sustainably.

Staying Overnight:
If you’d like to stay before or after the event, Housedean Farm Campsite is on-site and offers tent pitches and small campervan spaces (no large motorhomes). Facilities include hot showers and toilets. Book in advance at housedean.co.uk.

Important:

Please follow marshal instructions at all times.
No parking on the A27 verge.
Leave no litter and respect local residents and farm operations

Question 22

Where should I park?

Accepted Answer

Parking:

Limited parking is available directly at Housedean Farm, just off the A27 between Lewes and Brighton (postcode BN7 3JW). Please follow event signage and marshals on arrival — parking will be in the main farm access area and adjacent lay-by.
Spaces are very limited, so we strongly encourage car sharing wherever possible.

Alternative Parking & Drop-off:
If the main car park is full, there are small lay-bys on both sides of the A27 near the farm entrance, suitable for short-term drop-off or limited additional parking. Please park safely, well off the carriageway, and do not block farm or emergency access.

Public Transport:
The Number 28/29 Brighton–Lewes–Uckfield bus route stops directly outside Housedean Farm (the stop is called “Housedean Farm”).

From Brighton, buses run approximately every 20–30 minutes and take around 20 minutes.
From Lewes, the journey takes about 10 minutes.
This is a great option if you want to avoid parking or travel sustainably.

Staying Overnight:
If you’d like to stay before or after the event, Housedean Farm Campsite is on-site and offers tent pitches and small campervan spaces (no large motorhomes). Facilities include hot showers and toilets. Book in advance at housedean.co.uk.

Important:

Please follow marshal instructions at all times.
No parking on the A27 verge.
Leave no litter and respect local residents and farm operations

Question 23

Is it suitable for road trainers?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the weather, if it has been dry and the underfoot conditions are stable, you can wear road shoes. However, I usually recommend light trail shoes even on footpaths, as they provide better stability and protection than road shoes.

Question 24

Will there be drinks/food at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes there will be food and drinks available. We will also have free water and a snack for runners when they finish the race.

Question 25

Course Description?

Accepted Answer

What a beauty of a race it is! The Housedean Half & 10K begins at the stunning working Housedean Farm — the inspiration behind the event’s name. From the very start, runners take on a gentle ascent onto the South Downs, rewarded with breathtaking views across Lewes, Plumpton, and the surrounding countryside.

The course has a similar feel to the iconic Beachy Head Half, but with even more spectacular scenery and a slightly less demanding route. It’s ideal for runners who enjoy both trail and road running, though it’s officially classed as a trail event.

Whether it’s your first half marathon or your hundredth, The Housedean offers a truly memorable experience — a unique race starting from a working farm in the heart of East Sussex.

The route winds through the farm before climbing gently up to Ashcombe Bottom. From there, runners head towards Offham, then up to Mount Harry (don’t worry — it’s not actually a mountain!). Here, you’ll enjoy 360° views of the stunning South Downs and surrounding countryside.

Expect a mix of gravel paths and well-kept trails weaving through picturesque farmland — perfect for soaking up the views, snapping some photos, and maybe even greeting a few friendly farm animals along the way!

To make race day even more enjoyable, runners can take advantage of Housedean Farm’s glamping and camping facilities, located right on-site.

The Housedean Half

UK TRAINING CLUB

The Housedean Half