Marlborough Downs Challenge 2024
From Marlborough Running Club
- Date Sat 4th May 2024
- Location Marlborough, Wiltshire
- Price £37.00
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for the Marlborough Downs Challenge 2024, organised by the Marlborough Running Club! Taking place on Saturday, 4th May 2024 in Marlborough, Wiltshire, this event offers two exciting trail races - a 33-mile race and a 20-mile race. The courses are challenging yet beautiful, mostly off-road along tracks and footpaths, with over 3000 feet of climbing in the longer race. Participants will enjoy stunning views across the Vale of Pewsey, pass through picturesque woodlands, and visit historical sites like Avebury with its pre-historic stone circle. Finishers will receive handmade mugs from White Horse Pottery as a reward for their hard work. Remember to bring suitable footwear, a map, and a compass for navigation, as some parts of the route can be muddy and remote. Don't miss out on this fantastic event that combines adventure, nature, and history in one unforgettable race experience!
Marlborough Downs Challenge 2024
Sat 4th May 2024
Organiser's Description
The Marlborough Downs Challenge offers two events
33 mile* Trail Race
20 mile* Trail Race
* Note that distances are approximate only.
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.
You will pass through the wonderful 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 refreshments.
White Horse Pottery hand thrown mugs for all finishers!
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.
Age limits: 20 mile race, 18 years and over. 33 mile race, 20 years and over.
Races will comply with UK Athletics rules.
2024 Trail Running Association Permit number 6080
*YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY*
The event is organised and managed by Marlborough Running Club.
33 mile* Trail Race
20 mile* Trail Race
* Note that distances are approximate only.
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.
You will pass through the wonderful 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 refreshments.
White Horse Pottery hand thrown mugs for all finishers!
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.
Age limits: 20 mile race, 18 years and over. 33 mile race, 20 years and over.
Races will comply with UK Athletics rules.
2024 Trail Running Association Permit number 6080
*YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY*
The event is organised and managed by Marlborough Running Club.
Races
-
Marlborough Downs Challenge 20 Mile Route
£37.00
UK Athletics (UKA) save £2.00
CLOSED -
Marlborough Downs Challenge 33 Mile Route
£37.00
UK Athletics (UKA) save £2.00
CLOSED
Reviews
- 5
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- 1
5.0
1 review
Excellent challenge. A well organised event that is a challenge for all abilities
My longest run that took me through bluebell woods and wild garlic, up and down the Downs with wonderful scenery, through Avebury and along the ancient Ridgeway. So some soft ground, chalky Downs and hard packed trail. A little on road.
Commemorate mugs rather than a medal. I will return to better my time in future. Recommended.
Marlborough Downs Challenge 2024
