Marlborough Downs Challenge

Click here for full results of the 2005 Marlborough Downs Challenge.

Thanks to all who ran or walked the 2005 Marlborough Downs Challenge in truly testing conditions. We hope to see you back in 2006, and will try for better weather for you! More information about the 2006 event will appear here in January 2006.

A scenic one lap route across the Wiltshire Downs, along Wansdyke and through Avebury Stone Circle.  

Route
Two miles of the route is on roads, the rest is cross country on tracks or footpaths. Starting from Marlborough, the route goes through West Woods (CP1) on the Wansdyke Path, south to Gopher Wood; then over Knapp Hill (CP2) to Tan Hill (CP3). Here the routes divide, the 20 mile course heading north to Avebury. The 33 mile course goes further west along the Wansdyke before turning south-west to join the Kennet & Avon Canal into Devizes (CP4), then north-east over Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill (CP5) to reach Cherhill (CP6) and the White Horse. The long and short routes rejoin at Avebury Trusloe (CP7) to go through Avebury village and the Stone Circle. Finally go up over Overton & Fyfield Downs (CP8) and back to Marlborough Leisure Centre for shower and refreshments.

Navigation.
Although the start and finish of the Challenge will be marked with direction arrows, most of the route will not be marked. Entrants will receive a written description of the route. A map and compass is recommended. The best map is OS 1:25000 Explorer 157.

Start time.
To reduce congestion at the first stiles, Trail Race runners start at 9 am (long route) and 10.40 am (short route). Walkers may start anytime from 7.30 am to 8.30 am (long route) and 9 am to 10.00 am (short route).

Refreshments.
All checkpoints will provide water / cold drinks; some checkpoints will also provide tea and biscuits. Tea, soup and other refreshments will be available at the finish.

Final details of the route etc. will be sent out during April, 2004. (No acknowledgements of entry will be sent out before then.)

Suitable footwear and clothing must be worn or carried. Part of the route may be muddy. If the weather is windy, wet and cold at the start, then it will be very cold, very wet and very windy out on the Downs! People have got lost in the mist! If it is sunny, then sunburn may be a problem. Much of the course is remote from public roads. It is your responsibility to ensure your own safety and look after yourself.

Organised by Marlborough Running Club.

Contact: Tim Gravina, Hochgurgl, Poulshot, Devizes, Wilts. SN10 1RP

Telephone 01380 828292 Mobile 07803 077993 e-mail tim.gravina@btinternet.com

For further information on the Marlborough Downs Challenge, please contact Tim Gravina.

The following two files contain a full route description:
20 mile route description
33 mile route description

Click here to see the 2004 Marlborough Downs Challenge Results