Marlborough Downs Challenge 20 2020
09 May 2020
Marlborough Downs Challenge
Due to the impact of coronavirus, the 2020 MDC, planned for Saturday 9th May, has been cancelled. No further entries will be accepted. We will email all those who have already entered to let them know what alternative arrangements are being put in place.
See below for general information on the race. We will email full race information to all entrants in early May.
The Marlborough Downs Challenge offers two events
33 mile* Trail Race, starting at 09:00h (Minimum age 20)
20 mile* Trail Race, starting at 10:30h (Minimum age 18)
* Note that distances are approximate only.
Numbers for the MDC20 are to be collected on the day at Registration, in Marlborough Leisure Centre, opening at 09:00h.
The MDC is a beautiful yet challenging event, mostly off-road along tracks and footpaths. There is plenty of climbing - over 3000 feet for the 33 mile race. 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 at Tan Hill, where the long and short courses diverge
and, on the 33 mile route, - The Kennet & Avon Canal into Devizes
- Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill
- Cherhill Monument and White Horse
After the two routes rejoin to pass through Avebury, with its pre-historic stone circle and views of Silbury Hill, runners then go via Overton and Fyfield Downs back to Marlborough Leisure Centre for showers and food, and drinks. Commemorative hand-thrown pottery mugs for all finishers.
Navigation & Safety. All entrants will be sent a route description by email; copies will also be posted on the Marlborough Running Club website. The Marlborough Downs Challenge courses are unmarked although there are some arrows for assistance at various points. Competitors are recommended to carry a mobile phone, a compass, and also a map – the most appropriate is OS 1:25,000 Explorer Sheet 157.
The MDC now aims to be plastic free. There are five checkpoints on the MDC20, and eight on the MDC33, all offering refreshments and cold drinks. Runners should carry a cup or refillable water bottle.
This is a primarily an off-road event often remote from public roads. Runners are encouraged to carry a mobile phone, though they should note that mobiles may not work in all locations along the course. Parts of the route can be muddy. Wear suitable footwear. 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.
In common with many similar races, entry fees are not refundable under any circumstances nor deferrable to another year. However, entries may be transferred to another person, subject to notification of the replacement's details and payment of any additional unattached fee due. Also entrants may, subject to giving 48 hours notice, switch to the longer or shorter distance.
TRA Permit no. 3378.
Held under UK Athletics rules. (Note - in accordance with these rules, running with dogs is not allowed.)
You must follow the Countryside Code. In particular, you must leave gates and property as you find them, and leave no litter except in the designated bags at the checkpoints.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY
Barton Dene
Marlborough
SN8 1PB
Registration open from: 09:00:00
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