Get ready to close out the summer in style as The Itchen Valley Summer Challenge returns for its grand finale, Race 2 – Sunset Run, on Thursday 20th August 2026! Taking place across the scenic woodland trails of Itchen Valley Country Park (SO30 3HQ) from 17:30 to 21:00 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM BST), this vibrant, festival-inspired evening event brings the community together for fitness, fun, and fresh air. Featuring a Junior 1-Mile Dash alongside adult 5km and 10km trail races, every runner receives a finisher’s medal, post-race snacks, water, and free downloadable race photos!
Event Schedule & Timetable
Race 2 (The Sunset Run) follows a clear evening schedule at Itchen Valley Country Park:
- 5:30 PM (17:30): Race bib collection opens at the race village
- 6:30 PM (18:30): Guided warm-up session for Junior athletes
- 6:35 PM (18:35): Junior 1-Mile Dash starts
- 7:00 PM (19:00): Guided warm-up session for 5km and 10km runners
- 7:05 PM (19:05): Adult 5km & 10km races start
- 9:00 PM (21:00): Race closes (all runners must complete their distance by this time)
- Venue Location: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton (SO30 3HQ)
Attractions & Event Highlights
An “Official Race, Any Pace” community event packed with runner perks and family features:
- Vibrant Festival Vibe: A feel-good, multi-terrain summer evening race to close out the challenge series in style.
- Goodies for Every Runner: All registered participants receive a finisher’s medal, post-race snack, water, and access to free photo downloads.
- FREE Race Photography: An official event photographer will capture the action, with all photos available to download for free after the race.
- Age Category Prizes: Trophy recognition for athletes in Junior (Ages 4–9 & 10–14), Top 3 Male & Female (5km & 10km), and Veterans 40+ / 60+ categories.
- Parent Friendly: Parents running alongside younger children in the 1-mile Junior Dash do NOT need to buy a ticket for themselves (accompanying parents can cross the finish line and use water stations, but will not receive a medal or fruit).
- Post-Race Treats: On-site food options and an ice cream van available at the finish line (purchased separately).
- Charity Support: Ticket profits contribute toward donations made to a local charity.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Ticket breakdown for the 20th August fixture:
- Race 2 – 20th Aug: Junior Dash (Ages 4–14)
- £9.75 base price + £0.24 service fee (Total £9.99)
- Race 2 – 20th August: 5km (Ages 15+)
- £24.00 base price + £0.60 service fee (Total £24.60)
- Race 2 – 20th August: 10km (Ages 15+)
- £24.00 base price + £0.60 service fee (Total £24.60)
Note: Tickets are refundable up to 4 weeks before the event.
How to Get to Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is conveniently situated in West End on the eastern outskirts of Southampton:
- By Car: Easily accessed via Junction 5 of the M27 or via West End town centre, turning onto Allington Lane (SatNav: SO30 3HQ).
- By Public Transport: Local buses stop near Allington Lane and West End village, with Eastleigh and Southampton Airport Parkway railway stations located a short drive away.
Parking Information
Parking details at Itchen Valley Country Park:
- ANPR System: Parking inside the park uses an automatic number plate recognition system. Pay at the machine stations near the visitor centre before departing.
- Council Parking Charges: Standard hourly council parking tariffs apply for all visitors throughout the evening.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest trail races, community sports, family events, and outdoor activities happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Race 2 of the Itchen Valley Summer Challenge?
- Race 2 (The Sunset Run) takes place on Thursday 20th August 2026, running from 5:30 PM (17:30) to 9:00 PM (21:00).
- Where is the event located?
- The event is held at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton (SO30 3HQ).
- What race distances are available?
- The event includes a Junior 1-Mile Dash for ages 4–14, alongside adult 5km and 10km trail races for ages 15+.
- How much are tickets for Race 2?
- The Junior Dash ticket is £9.75 plus a £0.24 service fee (£9.99 total). Adult 5km and 10km tickets are £24.00 plus a £0.60 service fee (£24.60 total).
- Do parents need to buy a ticket to run with their children?
- No, parents running alongside kids in the 1-mile Junior Dash do not need to buy a ticket for themselves. Accompanying adults can cross the finish line and use the water station, but won’t receive a medal or post-race fruit.
- What goodies do runners get?
- Every participant receives an official finisher’s medal, post-race snacks, water, guided warm-ups, and free downloadable race photos.
- How do I earn the Challenge Finisher pin?
- Runners who officially complete both Race 1 (July 9th) and Race 2 (August 20th) will earn an exclusive Challenge Finisher pin.
- Are race photos free?
- Yes! An official photographer will capture event photos, which will be made available to download completely free of charge after the event.
- What are the race cut-off times?
- The entire race closes at 9:00 PM (21:00). All 5km and 10km participants must complete their run before 9:00 PM.
- What is the refund policy?
- Tickets are refundable up to 4 weeks before the event date due to organiser event costs.