Most trail races depend on the weather, but this one also has the tide to consider. The Chichester Harbour Trail Run returns on Saturday 27 February 2027, taking runners around the beautiful Chidham Peninsula in West Sussex, with a particularly unusual stretch across the exposed harbour foreshore.

Organised by UK Running Events under its Run Rebel brand, the event offers 21.3K and 16.1K challenges through one of the South Coast's most distinctive landscapes. The routes follow quiet trails and coastal paths around Chichester Harbour, with extensive views towards Bosham Hoe, Itchenor, East Head and the distant South Downs.

The low tide crossing is a particular highlight. With the water retreated, runners can experience a section of exposed foreshore that gives the event a character quite different from a conventional woodland trail race. The surrounding landscape is also rich in wildlife, making the journey around the peninsula an attraction in its own right.

Despite the coastal setting, this isn't an especially mountainous challenge. The organiser lists just 65 metres of elevation gain for the 21.3K and 50 metres for the shorter distance. That relatively gentle profile makes the event an appealing early season outing for experienced trail runners and those moving up from shorter distances, although the varied surfaces still require attention.

Four legged running companions are welcome too, with dedicated canicross starts five minutes after the main races. The event is also plastic free, with participants asked to bring reusable drinking containers for refreshments along the course.

For runners looking to begin their 2027 trail racing season somewhere memorable, Chichester Harbour offers a rewarding combination of coastal scenery, manageable climbing and an encounter with the shoreline that few races can match. 

Entries are open, with full details available through the runABC Race Hub.

Image courtesy UK Running Events.