- 33 mile* Trail Race, incorporating the Ultra-Running Championship Series (medium distance)
go to www.runfurther.com for more information on the Series - 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
- The Kennet & Avon Canal into Devizes
- Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill
- Cherhill Monument and White Horse
The following .pdf files contain a full route description for each of the two courses as applicable in 2009.
| Routes |
| 20 Mile Route Description |
| 33 Mile Route Description |
The routes will be finalised early in 2010 and sent by email to all entrants after Easter 2010. Updates will be published on this web site.
Advance warning of a minor diversion on the 33-mile route: We are aware of a footpath closure just after Checkpoint 4 where runners leave the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes and go north towards Roundway. “Quakers Walk” will be closed for approximately 6 months due to building works. We are awaiting the outcome of a residents’ appeal on the diversion before we can finally advise of the actual route.
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.
RACE INFORMATION
The Marlborough Downs Challenge is held under UK Athletics Rules (Permit applied for).
Race HQ and Finish: Marlborough Leisure Centre, SN8 1PB. Showers and changing facilities available.
Car Parking, Registration and Start: Marlborough College, SN8 1PA, just off the A4 heading west out of Marlborough.
NB: Numbers will not be sent out in advance but must be collected on the day – this is to ensure we know who is out on the course and who hasn't come back yet!
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 are trophies in both the 33-mile Trail Race and the 20-mile Trail Race for 1st , 2nd , 3rd Males and Females as well as 1st place in each of the following age categories:
- Mens: V40, V50, V60
- Ladies: F35, F45, F55
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: Online Entry Opens 1st December 2009 (see the link below).
The closing date is 1 st May 2010 or earlier if course limits are reached. Last year we had to turn away entries on the day. Don't miss out – enter early !
NB: There will be no entries on the day for the 33-mile Trail Race or 20-mile Challenge Walk.
Fees:
- EA / TRA Affiliated runners £16
- Non-affiliated runners £18
- 20-mile Challenge Walkers £16
(On the day, if available for 20-mile Trail Race: £20 affiliated / £22 non-affiliated.)
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. However, you can change your event or transfer your place to someone else provided you use the Change of Race / Runner form which will be available here early next year and email it to us by 7th May 2010.
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.
Online entry now open - click on the button below to enter online at Runners' World.
Please continue to visit this website for regular updates.
You can email us at marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com
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| www.runfurther.com | www.tra-uk.org |
Contact details : marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com
