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.
The event takes place along the Downs Link path between Bramber Castle and Christ's Hospital. Riders can choose to do a distance between 5 and 30 miles with walkers doing 5 miles (or more if you wish). Family and Group participation is very much encouraged with marshalling points every five miles to provide refreshments and support.
In 2008 the Shoreham College Parents' Association decided to extend the event outside of the college in order to raise even more and invited participants from all around the ADUR district and further afield around Sussex to join in. The promotion was very successful with 386 entrants with around two third coming from outside of the college. 2009 saw a similar number despite bad weather and 2010 had over 200 riders and walkers take part in fantastic weather. Once all the sponsorship is in we hope to push the total raised in five years to over £30,000.
