Information to all runners for Sunday 3rd May 2026

  • Paula Spencer-Snell
  • 25/04/2026

We are very excited to welcome you to our 2026 Three Forts Challenge on the 3rd May 2026.  Our bigest and best yet!

Below is some important information that will help you leading up to the event and for the day.

Location for Start and Finish

  • Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, Manor Road, Lancing, BN15 0PH .     Marathon start - 09:00 | Half Marathon - 09:15 | 5 Mile Trail Run -  09.30

Race Numbers

  • Timing chips will be issued on the day of the event at Registration.  Open from 8am.  This year we are introducing electronic registration, we suggest you provide the QR code that was sent to you on entry but don't worry if you do not have your phone at hand, we can still register you. 
    Please be patient with the team as we introduce this new system.

Water

  • Half Marathon at 3 miles and 11 miles (Steyning Bowl and Beggars Bush)
  • Marathon at Truleigh Hill both ways (6 miles and 11 miles), Steyning Bowl at 16 miles and Beggars Bush at 24 miles.  
  • 5 Mile Trail Run - No water stations.
  • Water for dogs will be available at all the Aid Stations

We kindly ask all runners to carry their own water, either in a hydration system or water bottles. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we won’t be providing plastic cups on the course. You’re very welcome to bring a collapsible cup if you prefer, and there will be three refill points available along the route for topping up your hydration.

Car Parking

  • There will be limited free spaces (first come, first serve basis) at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre (marshals will be available to guide drivers where to park).
  • Local residential roads.  Take care not to block driveways.  Car share if possible.  
  • Bus stop right outside Lancing Manor Leisure Centre 
  • Nearest Train station - Lancing

Bag Drop

  • This will be inside the centre at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre.  Staffed by our main charity Ferring Country Centre.  Your bag will be labelled with your Race Number and left at owner’s risk.  We cannot accept responsibility for valuables.

Aid Stations

  • Every 2 - 3 miles.  5 on the Half Marathon and 10 on the Marathon route.  Food will be available but do carry water/drinks/energy gels/sweets etc with you. NB There will be 4 water refill sations at the full marathon and 2 for the half).
  • There will be water bowls at aid stations for dogs participating.

Sustainability

We want to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of all future decisions at The Three Forts Challenge.  

  • Please carry your own hydration system or water bottle. We are trying to reduce single use plastic. Bin bags will be available at the Aid Stations.  Please do not leave anything on the course.

Course Maps 

Maps for each route are available on our website.  All routes are hilly and challenging over chalk, flint and grass paths. There are minimal road sections.  Signs and marshals will keep you on course.   

Marshalling of the course

  • This is provided by the Rotary Clubs of Worthing and Local Running Clubs.  Please respect the advice given by our volunteer marshals who wish to keep you safe.  There is one major road to cross on the marathon route, the A283.  You will be guided to where you should cross when it is safe to do so.

First Aid

  • MS Services are providing assistance with first aiders and paramedics at Aid Stations or nearby.

Communications

Retirements  

  • Anyone unable to complete the course should report at an Aid Station.  There are only limited rescue facilities.

Race Numbers

  • We will need to see your number.  You may wish to see the free photos of the event.   

    Important  -  Numbers must be worn on the front.  Not on a bag, not on your back or on the side of the leg.  Please do not fold or hide numbers under hydration vests or tops.  If you pin to your leg – please put the number to read vertically down your thigh on the front – not on one side of your body, or wrapped around your leg – this is so the whole number and the barcodes can be seen from either side from the front”

Time Limit

  • There is a maximum time to complete the marathon of 6 hours.  This means that runners should have crossed back over the Adur River by about midday.  
  • We cannot take responsibility for runners who continue on the course after this time as Aid Stations will be gradually closing. 

Swapping Races

You can do this online yourself or if on the day, please visit the team at Registration.

Toilets

There are toilets and changing facilities at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre but please be aware there are NO official toilets across the route.  However, there are public toilets at the Youth Hostel on Truleigh Hill.

Running with a dog

  • Runners with dogs must adhere to the guidance given by Canicross.  
  • Dogs and their owners will start with the main races, but dependant on the number of runners with dogs, a separate start may be necessary.
  • Please ensure if you are running with your canine friend that any dog waste is picked up on route.

Sussex Sport Photography

SSP cover the event and you will be able to access a free download of event photos. Please ensure your race number is clearly displayed.  Photos from the day can be found here.

Photographs for the Three Forts Challenge 2026

Media2U

Filming will be taking place throughout the day by Media2U.  Give Marcus a wave.

Awards

Trophies for winners are kindly sponsored by Pinnacle.   

Winner Trophies for the three races will be presented on the day to:

  • First male and first female
  • Veteran Trophies to first male and female over 50

Results

Results will be available as soon as possible by Race Time Result

Three Forts Challenge Race Results link

 

Merchandise

  • We have teamed up with the brilliant Pinnacle Uk to bring you official Three Forts Challenge merch.  Whether you want a T Shirt to race in, a hat to keep cool, or a bandana for the finishing stretch, we've got you and your canine friend sorted - Buy Now

Finish facilities

  • Food and drinks available from the catering van and also the cafe operated by Velo Coffee Company inside Lancing Manor Leisure Centre
  • Complimentary Post Race Massage,  
  • Catering van with hot food, drinks and ice cream
  • Lancing Leisure Centre is open and has free complimentary showering and changing facilities.
  • Delicious complimentarycakes 
  • Complimentary treats for all our canine super stars
  • Celebrate your achievement with an opodium finish photo and don't forget to tag us on social media.

Social

Don't forget to tag us on social

Race Organiser

  • Duncan Anderson

Race Advisor

  • Mike Airey

Race Directors

  • Zach Hughes-Burton & Ed Wain

Good Luck and thank you for supporting The Three Forts Challenge