The Rings - Marathon & Ultra

Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

Where should I park?

Accepted Answer

There is parking at the race start but this is very limited and we encourage runners to not park at The Adur Recreation Ground.

Further information for parking can be found here for the Adur Recreation Ground -

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 6

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 7

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 Rings Marathon & Ultra will have a minimum of 5 aid stations.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whilst the routes are predominantly trail and road. For some races such as the Rings, Housedean Half and River Run you will be running through town areas, on quiet country roads with some points not marshalled and therefore you must be alert at all times. Not all road crossings will be marshalled unless categorised as needed to be such as for The River Run in Upper Beeding and Bramber.

For The Rings Marathon and 50K you will have to run along parts of The South Downs Way which sometimes crosses a small country road so please be aware during any crossings. There will also be some stiles and gates to go through/over but these are all well maintained by The South Downs authorities.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

Will I get a Finishers Medal?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Whats the route & elevation like?

Accepted Answer

The Rings Marathon and 50K Ultra begin on the banks of the River Adur in Shoreham-by-Sea, with the first few miles winding gently along the riverside path. Runners are quickly immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of the water’s edge before the real climbing begins.

The route ascends onto the South Downs Way, tackling the first climb beside the notorious pig farm — a landmark known by every local runner of the Downs. From there, the course sweeps through the grounds of the historic Wiston Estate and continues upward toward Chanctonbury Ring, one of the South Downs’ most iconic high points. Here, participants are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Sussex countryside.

The challenge continues with the climb to Cissbury Ring, offering another breathtaking vantage point over the coast and inland hills. After cresting the ridge, the course descends back toward the valley, winding through Coombes Farm before returning to the banks of the River Adur.

The marathon completes this full loop back to Shoreham, blending riverside running with the highs and lows of the Downs. The 50K ultra extends the challenge, adding extra sections along the South Downs Way ridge, where wide skies and far-reaching views — sometimes as far as Brighton and even the Isle of Wight — make every step worthwhile.

Question 19

How to get to Coombes Farm? (EVENT START/FINISH)

Accepted Answer

Address: Coombes Farm, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing, BN15 0RS

From the A24 (via Steyning)

Travel along the A24 until you reach the Washington Roundabout.
Take the exit for the A283 towards Steyning.
Follow the A283 until you reach a roundabout at the end of the road.
Take the 4th exit into Maudlin Lane.
Continue up Maudlin Lane until you reach a T-junction.
Turn left into Annington Road.
Continue for about 3 miles — Coombes Farm will be on your left.

Note: This route is suitable for cars, but the lanes are narrow — please drive carefully. Large vehicles or coaches should avoid this route where possible.

From the A27 (coastal route)

From Brighton, continue on the A27 until you reach the roundabout sign-posted “Lancing College / Coombes”, then turn right.
From Worthing, continue past Lancing on the A27 and at the roundabout sign-posted “Lancing College / Coombes”, turn left.
Follow this road for approximately 2 miles to reach Coombes Farm.

Useful Information

SatNav: BN15 0RS
Roads: Narrow in places — take care and drive slowly.
Landmarks: Coombes Church is right next to the farm entrance.

The Rings - Marathon & Ultra

UK TRAINING CLUB

The Rings - Marathon & Ultra