South Downs Way 50 2026 - I Wasn't Expecting THIS PB!

The South Downs Way 50 is an ultra marathon by centurion running. Starting at Worthing College, the route takes runners along 50 ish miles of the South Downs Way passing along ancient chalk ridges, through picturesque villages, with stunning coastal views, before finishing for an epic lap around Eastbourne sports park athletics track. With this being my 3rd 50 miler, I was focused on one main goal; a PB. I ran Wendover woods 50 in 12h 5m in 2022 and Chiltern wonderland 50 in 11h 28m in 2025. So, the Chiltern Wonderland 50 2022 time was the time to beat during my South Downs Way 50 2026 attempt. The day was set to be ideal conditions with a strong tailwind blowing runners to the finish. With that, and feeling pretty well trained and rested, I was curious for what the day had in store. Here's how I got on. South Downs Way 100 2025 video -    • South Downs Way 100 2025 - Can I Run 100 M...   🏃‍♂️ MY RUNNING GEAR Get 10% OFF Mount To Coast products with code: CRAIG10 Road Shoes (MTC R1): https://uk.mounttocoast.com/products/... Trail Shoes (MTC T1): https://global.mounttocoast.com/en-gb... Hybrid/Gravel Shoes (MTC H1): https://global.mounttocoast.com/en-gb... Alternate Trail Shoes: https://amzn.to/3Nk5HtY ⌚ THE TECH & ESSENTIALS GPS Running Watch: https://amzn.to/3YExOGN Wireless Earphones: https://amzn.to/3Lgf1yx Running Backpack: https://amzn.to/4bg7URl Water Bottles: https://amzn.to/3NJ6Efq Energy Gels: https://amzn.to/4sT25Q6 🛡️ WEATHER & PROTECTION Waterproof Jacket: https://amzn.to/4qqEWD0 Headtorch: https://amzn.to/49iTGh1 Travel Sunscreen (SPF 50): https://amzn.to/49IobMu 📷 MY FILMING SETUP Camera: https://amzn.to/4pA5xfi Voiceover Mic: https://amzn.to/4qQIrSH Music by Epidemic Sound: https://epidemicsound.com/referral/5qaq9 ✅ LET'S CONNECT! Strava: Craig Barden Instagram (Running Cafe): @craigbarden_runningcafe Instagram (Personal): @craigbarden1 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Worthing 0m - Botolphs 10.9m 05:10 - Botolphs 11m - Saddlescombe Farm 17m 06:48 - Saddlescombe Farm 17.1m - Housedean Farm 27m 09:43 - Housedean Farm 27.1m - Southease 34m 12:14 - Southease 34.1m - Alfriston 41.6m 15:37 - Alfriston 41.7m - Jevington 45.7m 17:33 - Jevington 45.8m - Eastbourne 50m 19:46 - Reflections