Last updated: 17/12/2011.
The Marlborough Downs Challenge offers three events:
- 33 mile* Trail Race
- 20 mile* Trail Race - incorporating the UK Trail Running Championship (middle distance)
- 20 mile* Challenge Walk
* Note that distances are approximate only.
A beautiful yet challenging event, mostly off-road along tracks and footpaths. The routes take in some of the finest Wiltshire countryside including:
- The Wansdyke Path, Tan Hill Way, White Horse Trail, and Mid Wilts Way with superb views across the Vale of Pewsey
- West Woods and Gopher Wood, with its amazing wild garlic
- Two of the highest points in Wiltshire at Knapp Hill and Tan Hill, where the long and short courses diverge
Plus, on the 33-mile route:
- The Kennet & Avon Canal into Devizes
- Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill
- Cherhill Monument and White Horse
Finally, the routes rejoin to pass through Avebury, with its pre-historic stone circle and views of Silbury Hill, then go via Overton and Fyfield Downs back to Marlborough Leisure Centre for showers and refreshments.
Feedback from previous participants has been excellent and will give you a flavour of what the event has to offer – click here to see the feedback on the Runner's World website.
The following .pdf files contain the updated route description for each of the two courses in 2011. These route descriptions will be checked again early in 2012 and any updates will be posted in good time before the event.
| Routes |
| 20 Mile Route Description |
| 33 Mile Route Description |
RACE INFORMATION
Click here for a copy of the pre-race information for all runners and walkers.
The Marlborough Downs Challenge is held under UK Athletics Rules (Permit applied for).
Race HQ, Registration and FINISH: Marlborough Leisure Centre, SN8 1PB. Showers and changing facilities available.
Car Parking and START: Marlborough College, SN8 1PA, just off the A4 heading west out of Marlborough.
Numbers will not be sent out in advance but must be collected on the day from the Registration Desk in the Leisure Centre. NB – there is NO PARKING at the Leisure Centre. The race car park is in the grounds of Marlborough College from where it is a 400m walk to the Leisure Centre
Start & Finish Times:
- 33-mile Trail Race – start at 9:00am
- 20-mile Challenge Walk – start at 9:30am
- 20-mile Trail Race – starts at 10:30am
- Finish closes at 5.30pm
A cut off time will be applied at Checkpoint 3 (9.2miles) where the routes divide – anyone on the 33-mile route arriving after 11:15am will be directed to the 20-mile route. Other cut off times may be applied for safety reasons.
Navigation & Safety: All entrants will be sent a route description by email; copies will also be posted on this website. The Marlborough Downs Challenge courses are unmarked although there are some arrows for assistance at various points. Competitors are recommended to carry a map – the most appropriate is OS 1:25,000 Explorer Sheet 157 – and compass.
Suitable footwear must be worn or carried. This is a primarily an off-road event often remote from public roads. Mobile phones may not work in all locations. Parts of the route can be muddy. Remember, if the weather is wet and/or cold at the Start then it will be very wet and very cold on the Downs. If it is sunny then don't forget to apply sunscreen.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY
Refreshments: Cold drinks and refreshments will be provided at checkpoints on both routes. As in previous years we expect to provide five checkpoints on the 20-mile route and eight checkpoints on the 33-mile.
The entry fee includes a hot meal (including a vegetarian option) and drinks at the Finish.
Prizes: All finishers will receive a souvenir from the White Horse Pottery – www.whitehorsepottery.co.uk
There will be trophies in both the 33-mile Trail Race and the 20-mile Trail Race for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Men and Ladies as well as 1st place in each of the following age categories:
- Men: M40, M50, M60
- Ladies: F40, F50, F60
There will also be category awards for the UK:A Trail Running Championship (middle distance) – all those taking part in the 20-mile Trail Race are eligible.
There are no awards for the 20-mile Challenge Walk.
Race Entry:
Enter online by clicking on the Runners' World logo below.
Fees:
- £18 - EA / TRA affiliated
- £20 - non-affiliated
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. However, you can change your event from the 33-mile to the 20-mile Trail Race, or from either Trail Race to the 20-mile Challenge Walk, or transfer your place to someone else by emailing us at marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com before 5th May 2012.
Minimum age requirements:
- 33-mile Trail Race – minimum age 20 years on the day of the race.
- 20-mile Trail Race and 20-mile Challenge Walk – minimum age 18 years on the day of the race.
By entering this event you declare you have read and agree to abide by the conditions and rules.
Click here for a copy of the conditions and rules – we try and keep these as simple and short as possible.
Please continue to visit this website for regular updates.
You can email us at marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com
