Cowan Architects’ Team Takes on the Mighty South Coast Challenge

When nine adventurers at Cowan Architects decided to take on the South Coast Challenge, they knew they were in for a true test of grit and determination. For them, it wasn’t just about covering the distance—it was about pushing themselves to the limit, supporting one another, and raising money for two Sussex charities that are close to their hearts: Headway Sussex and The Sussex Snowdrop Trust.

Challenge within a Challenge

Getting ready for such a massive event is never easy. But in this case, the Cowan Architects team decided to test themselves further by making the training part of a bigger challenge.

Throughout August, the team collectively committed to covering 2,000 km in training—that’s the equivalent distance of Land’s End to John O’ Groats. One such training event was a punishing 40 km, nine-hour overnight trek from Devil’s Dyke to Arundel – after a full day at work. In the end, they walked a collective 2,711km. Despite sore feet and sleep deprivation, they kept going, motivated by the knowledge that their efforts would benefit Headway Sussex, which supports individuals with brain injuries and their families, and The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, which provides essential care to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Taking on the South Coast Challenge

On the weekend of  7-8 September, they faced the ultimate test – the South Coast Challenge. Six team members braved the full 100 km course, while three took on the demanding 57 km half. Set against the stunning backdrop of the South Downs, the event is both breathtaking and brutal. It takes participants from Eastbourne, up the steep climbs of Beachy Head and the iconic Seven Sisters, then along the South Downs Way to Brighton, and finally through the relentless hills of Devil’s Dyke before reaching the finish line in Arundel.

Stories from the edge of endurance

David Callin, Kyle Makowski, Shelagh Legg, Gary Harwin, Adam Watts, Jo Twentyman, Sarah Goad, Jackie Harwin and Liz Rubin were the nine adventurers who went up against the elements, the terrain and their own limits on a rain-soaked September weekend.

It was a journey filled with personal triumphs and challenges. David Callin, one of the full 100 km finishers, recalled his toughest moment at around 4:30 am, walking alone in the pitch dark with only the light of his torch. “It was dark, both literally and mentally!” he shared. But as dawn broke, he felt a surge of energy that pushed him to jog the final 8 km—a decision he now laughs about, calling it “madness in hindsight!”

For Shelagh Legg, the battle was against sleep deprivation and the muddy, slippery trail conditions after recent rain. As the organisers rerouted them, adding an unexpected extra kilometre to the already long trek, she felt every gruelling step. “It felt like the kilometre markers were getting further apart,” she remembered. At one point, Sarah lightened the mood by asking, “Is this worse than childbirth?” It’s those little moments of camaraderie that helped the team push through the toughest parts.

Johanne Twentyman’s struggle came in the form of blisters, which began to take a toll around the 57 km mark. “I stopped looking at my feet because I didn’t think I’d be able to get my shoes back on,” she admitted. When she was flooded with messages from her family around the 82 km point, it was hard to hold back the tears. But seeing her loved ones waiting at the finish line with a banner made every painful step worth it.

Meanwhile, in the 57 km half challenge, Sarah Goad, Jackie Harwin, and Liz Rubin faced their own set of challenges. Jackie remembers the gruelling mud and hills but was inspired to keep going, even considering attempting the full 100 km next year. For Liz, the highlight was the sense of community and support that kept everyone moving forward, even as blisters and fatigue set in. “The takeaway for me was the team spirit and how we helped each other through, even the strangers we met along the way,” she said.

Shared purpose

Despite the physical and mental toll, the team’s perseverance and camaraderie carried them to the finish. More than just an endurance event, the South Coast Challenge became a symbol of their collective strength and commitment to supporting Headway Sussex and The Sussex Snowdrop Trust. It was a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can achieve incredible things—even if it means trudging through the night, up steep hills, and through muddy trails.

As they reflect on their achievement, the Cowan Architects team is already looking forward to the next challenge.

Roll on next year!

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Thanks to your incredible support, the team raised an impressive £3,341 for individuals with brain injuries and children with life-threatening illnesses, smashing their £2,000 target.

Please help us raise that total by donating now.

Thank you for your generosity.