The Downs Link Challenge started in 2006 as a social event run by the Parents' Association of Shoreham College. At that time it was decided to use the event to raise funds for the Chestnut Tree House, the only children’s hospice in Sussex, where an ex-pupil of the school had received such excellent care. That year £2,071 was raised and in 2007 another £3,241 was presented to the Hospice.

In 2008 the Shoreham College Parents' Association decided to extend the event outside of the college in order to raise even mire and invited participants from all around the ADUR district and further afield around Sussex to join in. The promotion was very successful wit a record 386 entrants with around two third coming from outside of the college.

The event took place along the Downs Link path between Bramber Castle and Christ's Hospital. Riders could  choose to do a distance between 5 and 30 miles with walkers doing 5 and half miles (or more if you wish). Family and Group participation was very much encouraged with marshalling points every five miles to provide refreshments and support.