Time is not on your side, but you can still pin down a number for the 41st North Downs Run 30K multi-terrain race from Cyclopark, Gravesend, Kent, on Sunday 29 June 2025. The closing date for this popular Kent Grand Prix and British Masters Multi-Terrain Championships event is midnight on Sunday, 22 June 2025, so don't miss the deadline.

Previous editions have been 'blessed' with hot weather, but much cooler conditions last year saw five competitors duck under two hours for the challenging course on the North Downs, although host club Istead and Ifield Harriers athlete Ed Bovingdon's 2023 record of 1:51:37 survived. 

Daniel Radcliffe (Folkestone Running Club, 1:55:38) is the defending champion, and M40 Jay Smith (Tonbridge AC, 1:57:19) won the 2024 British Masters title. The 2024 women's race was won in a blistering course record 2:00:54 by the new British Masters champion, W40 Andrea Clement (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) in the fastest female time for 18 years! 

The North Downs Run route passes through some of the finest scenery in Southern England. This is a challenging, multi-terrain event that uses undulating paths and established tracks through woodlands, fields and parkland across the beautiful North Downs. 

The race venue is Cyclopark, a cycle racing circuit at Gravesend where you'll find toilets, showers, onsite parking, refreshments, and a bar. The cut-off time for completion is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Istead & Ifield Harriers always turn out many volunteers who help with all aspects of the North Downs Run, including course preparation, cake baking, and marshalling. The marshals are often runners who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Finish line goodies include those home-baked cakes, plus a technical race T-shirt and bespoke medal. 

Entries are still available via the Run Events portal here    

Results and reports are at the runABC South race listing here

Race details are at the Istead and Ifield Harriers website here

Photo courtesy of Istead & Ifield Harriers on Facebook