Autumn Trail Run | Saturday 12th October 2024 | Cowdray Estate

Following the success of last years ‘Run The Seasons’ series of races we’re back again and getting ready to celebrate all things autumn and to coincide with Cowdray’s popular Apple Day at the Farm Shop.

There are three distances, 10km (map), 10 mile (map) and a new 5km run (map). All runs are undulating and have some tough sections, but the locations are second to none. The majority of the courses are on bridleways, footpaths, the Serpent Trail or Sussex Diamond Way, but some locations are on private land for the race only, which the Cowdray Estate have kindly allowed us to use to give runners the best possible event. Part of the new 5km course is within the Deer Park and historic trees where the views are amazing!

Don’t underestimate the Autumn Run, it’s proper trail run and there are steep uphill and downhill sections, gravel, sand, mud and rocky sections, but all of which are manageable for the majority of runners.

The 10km course heads uphill towards Bexley Hill, through some ancient and thick woodland before returning on a different route exposing the golden autumnal colours on the South Downs.

The 10mile course initially follows the same route as the 10km run and then picks up the Serpent Trail through Verdley Wood and Henley before returning on the 10km course for a technical descent.

The race coincides with the Cowdray Farm Shop Apple Day (10am-3pm), a celebration of this delicious and much-loved fruit. This humble fruit will be celebrated with a chance to press home-grown apples,  take part in some apple-themed activities, as well as the chance to sample delicious apple-themed treats created by Cowdray’s head pastry chef and butchery team alongside tastings from local suppliers. Remember to bring your own apples if you have them and a container to take home some of your own fresh apple juice!

Apple Day was launched in 1990 by an association called Common Ground as a way of raising awareness of the provenance and traceability of food, which aligns perfectly with Cowdray’s values.

What they said in 2023:

‘The course was stunning. Easily the best trail race I’ve had the pleasure to run.  I’m already looking forward to the next one’. 

‘Thank you so much for an absolutely amazing run this morning. I did the 10k Canicross – my dog and I are relatively new to racing together but we had a brilliant time. All your staff and marshals were fabulous and friendly and it was such a great vibe’

‘I just wanted to say what a friendly, welcoming and well organised event. It was a really enjoyable run, the conditions just added to the sense of achievement. Thank you to all’

‘……….as hard as it was, it was a great event in an amazing setting! ‘

Results 2023