33 mile and 21 mile routes for runners and walkers
Trail Race and Challenge Walk
A scenic one lap route across the Wiltshire Downs, along Wansdyke and through Avebury Stone Circle.
Trail Race and Challenge Walk
A scenic one lap route across the Wiltshire Downs, along Wansdyke and through Avebury Stone Circle.
Being the first Marlborough Downs Challenge, so it is no great surprise that the organisers, Marlborough Running Club have learnt a lot, some of it the hard way; for example the start marshals were not ready until after 7.30 am. Thirty five people completed the 21 mile route and thirty four completed the 33 mile route.
Congratulations to all of you. Two people on the long route opted to join the short route at checkpoint 3 (Tan Hill). Several people found that our warning about the exposed weather on top of Tan Hill (CP 3), altitude 950 feet, was justified. Two others retired (at checkpoints) during the event. St. John Ambulance had only one case (blisters) to treat. Very boring for them, but zero casualties is what everyone including St. John Ambulance really likes best.
There were a few comments about the direction arrows, or rather lack of them in some places. This is a difficult one. Whenever and wherever signs are put up, they are liable to be vandalised. Two arrows had completely vanished by the time I went to take them down on Sunday and Monday.
The weather was actually better than the forecast with pleasant sun in the early morning. This rapidly deteriorated to rain, more rain and finally torrential rain in the evening. I can assure you that with more rain the next day it was even muddier in the woods on Monday when my wife and I collected in the arrows.
There were generally favourable comments about the routes. Some walkers thought that there was a bit too much on the canal towpath. Next year this will be reduced when the swing bridge has been replaced. Many people enjoyed the scenic views particularly in the morning before the rain started. On the route from checkpoint 8 to the finish, there was criticism (justified) that the final part was not detailed enough on the route description. At the time that it was written, we had not yet obtained permission to use a private track on the Manton House Estate. Later editions were modified to include this extra bit of route description.
Another moan (also justified) was the lack of vegetarian food at the finish. Now that Marlborough Running Club have organised this event once, we intend to improve the food at the finish. Your suggestions about what you really like to eat at the end will be much appreciated. We really do want your comments please.
One 59 year old walker got lost (no map or compass) and went missing soon after the start; she failed to reach any checkpoints thus causing many marshals a lot of anxiety. She also failed to find or even look for a telephone to report her whereabouts. She finally appeared at 7.50 pm at the Leisure Centre. By that time the police had checked local hospitals for any reported accidents, and were briefing the police helicopter crew for an aerial search using a thermal imaging camera. Three marshals had driven around the roads in the area to search for her.
Four marshals had made a full search of the area between the start and checkpoint 1 in torrential rain and gave up a social evening out with their spouses to do so. Most marshals had been at their posts since 7 am. As you will understand we have strong views on this matter, and the walker has been "made aware" of these views! She has also been banned from future events. We could have done without this hassle, but it did test our organisation and communications! It does show the importance, when we take part in any organised walk or running event, of letting people know if we decide to retire.
The above paragraph must not detract from the overall success of the Marlborough Downs Challenge. All the marshals have said how friendly everyone was. One checkpoint actually described you all as "professional", because you coped so well with the adverse conditions and appeared so happy. I am also very grateful to the two walkers who arrived at checkpoint 5 (Morgans Hill), helped themselves to drinks and food before tactfully waking up the marshals (my daughter and her boyfriend) who had fallen asleep in their car. I shall not enquire further!
Finally a big thank you to everyone who ran or walked the Downs Challenge. Your competence and cheerful made life for all marshals and myself both easy and enjoyable. If you any suggestions for next year, or complaints, please write or phone me. Tim Gravina 01380 828292
1999 Results - 21 mile route 1999 Results - 33 mile route
Jay Scroggins (Start and Beckhampton road crossing), Sheila Hanson (CP 2 and CP 8) and Nella Scroggins all did 10 miles. Graham Townsend ran 13 miles. I ran odd bits myself with them totalling about 11 miles, in between making tea. Hilary Roots (CP 7 and fruit cake baker), Fiona Wycherley (registration)and Phil Griffiths (CP 1) all did the full 21 miles of the short route.
Ted Townsend (CP 1 and CP 8) and Pete Davies (search party) ran 27 miles of the long route to the Red Lion at Avebury, where they were mysteriously drawn to the public bar at the centre of the stone circle by black and white Celtic forces. Sharman Paterson (CP1 and CP6 and search party), Chris Wardell (CP4) and Alan Joslin (Club Secretary) all ran the full 33 miles.
Home Membership Training Club Events Diary Results
Photo Gallery Contact Marlborough Running Club
