Marlborough Downs Challenge 33 2019
11 May 2019
Marlborough Downs Challenge
The 2019 race will be on Saturday, 11th May
The closing date for entries will be Sunday, 28th April, or when the entry limit is reached. There will be no entries on the day.
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.
Registration, in Marlborough Leisure Centre, opens at 07:30h
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 Tan Hill, where the long and short courses diverge
Plus, on the 33-mile route:
- The Kennet & Avon Canal into Devizes
- Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill
- Cherhill Monument and White Horse
Finally, the routes rejoin to pass through Avebury, with its pre-historic stone circle and views of Silbury Hill, then go via Overton and Fyfield Downs back to Marlborough Leisure Centre for showers and food, and drinks.
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.
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.
TRA Permit number: 2370
Held under UK Athletics rules.
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: 07:30:00
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