The 34th edition of the North Downs Run will take place on Sunday 25th June, attracting runners from across the country. 

Starting and finishing at Cascades Leisure Centre, Gravesend, the 30km course is mostly off-road through the fields and woodland that make the North Downs famous... Be ready for some hills!

From the start, runners thread their way across farmland to Shorne village before descending gently southwards through Cobham Park into the Cuxton Valley and the steep drop down to Lower Bush.

Then begins the relentless climb to Holly Hill, followed by a welcome descent into Great Buckland. The route crosses the fields to Luddesdown Court and over picturesque “Cricket Pitch Hill” (often with an incredible spread of poppies during May/June). There follows an 800 metre road section at Henley Street taking you past ‘The Cock Inn’ pub. Leaving Henley Street, the course passes through Kent apple and pear orchards to reach the historic village of Cobham.

Crossing Cobham High Street, into Jeskyns Nature Reserve & Ashenbank Wood and then through scenic Shorne Wood Country Park for a seriously challenging uphill (we did warn you!) section before emerging onto the Shorne Ifield Road and the path back across the fields to Cascades Leisure Centre for the FINISH. 

Featured in the top 10 races in the UK in the annual Runner's World list of best races, it was rated as one of the most iconic trail races in the UK and Europe by Runners World Magazine: "A swaggering mudslinger that can lay claim to the title 'The toughest race in the South East'. Challenging hills, exhilarating trails, scenic views, excellent marshalling and a decent swag bag make it a favourite on the RW forum." 

The race is still open for applications through Run Britain and Runner's World, and you can also download a paper entry here. 

The entry includes Chip Timing, Technical T-shirt, Medal and Goody Bag for all finishers. Race photos by Jodi Hanagan Photography. 

We look forward to seeing you there!