Last updated: 16/05/2010.
LATEST UPDATES (16th May):
- Results for the 2010 Marlborough Downs Challenge are now available - click here to download.
- New course records were set in the 33-mile Trail Race for both the men (Allen Smalls, 3:51:33) and the ladies (Kate Bailey, 4:20:13) - well done to you both!
- If you spot any errors , please email us at MarlboroughDownsChallenge@googlemail.com no later than Friday, 21st May.
- Final results and Race Director's report will be posted here next weekend.
- Thank you to everyone who took part in this year's Marlborough Downs Challenge. We hope you enjoyed the day. Details of the 2011 Marlborough Downs Challenge will be published in the autumn and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
- Lost Property - three items were left behind after the race on Saturday:
- A pair of glasses
- A blue running top
- A pair of lady's walking boots.
These are in the safe keeping of Marlborough Leisure Centre (01672 513161). Contact the Leisure Centre directly to collect or, alternatively, email us at marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com and we will try to get the lost item back to you.
LATEST UPDATES (10th May):
- Race numbers have now been allocated. Click here for a list of entries and race numbers.
Please check your entry carefully and notify us of any corrections as soon as possible. - The deadline for transfers has now passed and we are no longer accepting transfers of places from one runner to another.
- Again, please allow extra time for travelling to the event on the 15th as roadworks and closures are causing significant congestion around Marlborough.
- For 33-mile runners: no change at present to the route around Checkpoint 4 and Quakers Walk in Devizes. Any last-minute changes will be announced on the day.
LATEST UPDATES (2nd May):
- The 33-mile Trail Race, 20-mile Trail Race and 20-mile Challenge Walk are FULL. Online entry is CLOSED. We cannot accept any further entries, so please don't ask! There is no waiting list for standby places. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.
- We checked the routes again last weekend and noticed more livestock - particularly lambs - than we've seen before in the fields along the course. Therefore, we have had to make a late change and, regrettably, DOGS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANY OF THIS YEAR'S MDC EVENTS. Apologies to those of you affected by this decision, but we rely on the goodwill of the landowners to be able to stage the Marlborough Downs Challenge and have to be especially mindful of livestock. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CLOSE ALL GATES BEHIND YOU!!
- In both the 20-mile and 33-mile route descriptions we have corrected the grid reference at 6.7 miles, which now reads SU112642. Please click on the links below for corrected route descriptions.
- There are currently a number of roadworks, including road closures, causing congestion through Marlborough which may affect your journey to the Marlborough Downs Challenge. YOU ARE ADVISED TO ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR YOUR JOURNEY ON THE DAY.
- For 33-mile runners: we are continuing to monitor the situation regarding construction work around Checkpoint 4 and Quakers Walk in Devizes. At present, the route remains open. However, we may have to make last-minute changes and will notify you by email and on this website.
The Marlborough Downs Challenge offers three events:
- 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
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 for 2010.
| Routes |
| 20 Mile Route Description |
| 33 Mile Route Description |
Copies of these route descriptions have been emailed to all entrants. If you have not received a copy, please let us know.
Notice of a potential diversion on the 33-mile route: We are aware of building work beside the route just after Checkpoint 4, where runners leave the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes and go north towards Roundway. At the time of checking (mid-March), 'Quakers Walk' remains open to the public. However, we will check again before the race and will advise immediately of any changes to the route.
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 no. TRA 21-10).
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 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:
The 33-mile Trail Race, 20-mile Trail Race and 20-mile Challenge Walk are FULL. Online entry is CLOSED.
We cannot accept any further entries, so please don't ask! THERE WILL BE NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.
Fees:
- EA / TRA Affiliated runners £16
- Non-affiliated runners £18
- 20-mile Challenge Walkers £16
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. However, you can change your event or transfer your place to someone else by emailing us at marlboroughdownschallenge@googlemail.com before 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.
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
