Marlborough Downs Challenge 33
06 May 2017
Marlborough Downs Challenge
The 2017 race will be on Saturday, 6th May
TRA Permit numbers: 849 and 850
The closing date for entries is Monday, 1st May, or when the entry limit is reached. Note that both races sold out in three out of the last four years, so please don't delay. 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 late April.
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 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
Barton Dene
Marlborough
SN8 1PB
Registration open from: 07:30:00
Social Message