Three Forts Marathon and Half Marathon.

Known as 'The Tough One' the Three Forts Marathon covers approx. 27.2 miles including a total climb of c.3450ft with stiles and rough tracks underfoot.  In wet weather another hazard arises as the chalk, the predominant surface, can be very slippery. The route runs northwards from Hill Barn, Worthing to Cissbury Ring, then eastwards toward Coombs then to Botolphs and the River Adir crossing. The next part of the route goes to Devil's Dyke and back to the River Adur.  It continues on the South Downs Way to Chanctonbury Ring where it swings south-west to Findon Park Farm.  |It stays on public bridleways to Cissbury Ring and back to Hill Barn.

The Half Marathon, with a total climb of c.1450ft takes a shorter route to Steyning Bowl and picks up the last part of the marathon route. The routes for the runs are clearly signed with marshals stationed at key places. There are eight Aid Stations spaced along the route providing refreshments and support to entrants.

There are changing and toilet facilities at Hill Barn and refreshments (food and drink) are available at Hill barn.There is a massage service available and all the runners and walkers who complete the course receive a medal which is richly deserved!

The net proceeds have been donated in recent years to South Ferring Country Centre a local charity which gives help through horse riding to disabled young people. It is a very worthy well-run charity.

Rotarians have been instrumental in the organisation and running of this event and they make up many of the of volunteers who do the setting- up and taking-down and act as marshals.  Both participants who race and those who do the backroom work all enjoy the experience and the general  'buzz' of the occasion. usually over 700 take part in the two events and competitors come from all over the country and from abroad.

The last Three Forts marathon took place on Sunday 30th of April, 2023. There were over 500 entrants for the Marathon and Half-Marathon - a similar number to the the previous year. The weather was perfect.(continued)

Winners 2018: Marathon Paul Sargent, Burgess Hill,    First lady Lucianne Albrecht, Arunners

Half Marathon Owen Knight, Worthing & Dist Harriers  First lady Catherine Harris, Serpentine R.C.

Winners 2019:  Marathon Seb Jones, Clapham Chasers    First lady Sharon Walker, Dorking/Mole Valley

Half Marathon: Anddrew Donno                                          First lady  |ade Elphick

Winners 2023: Marathon Pere Capdevila   3.12.51.   First lady Alice Robinson: 3.39.54

Half Marathon:: Tom Barnard  1.31.21.    First Lady  Katy Hedgethorne  1.42.36

Five Mile Trail. Daniel Mounce. 31.10.          First Lady Teresa Fayre Walker 39.47.

Winners 2024: Marathon  Alice Robinson. 3:32:32.

Half Marathon. Jamie Harwood. 1:29:32. First Lady  Giulia Montagnin. 1:49:50.
 
Five Mile Triail. Jamie Johnson. 31:52.. First Lady. Julia Lewis. 43:39.