The 33 miles of the Marlborough Downland Challenge covers some of the best country in southern England, going though West Woods with its stunning display of bluebells, along the crest of the Marlborough Downs, following the ancient Wansdyke. The route comes down off the hills to follow three mies of the Kennet and Avon Canal before heading back to Marlborough over Morgan’s Hill, Cherhill Down, through the Avebury stone circles and over Fyfield Down. Certainly an excellent race, smoothly organised by Tim Gravina of Marlborough Runners, worthy of its place in this year’s Vasque Series.
This year’s race saw a large field of over 150 runners setting off on the 33 mile route.
Keith Davies set the early pace, heading off fast into West Woods trying to shake off any pursuit. However, He was closely followed by Matthew Ray of Bath AC, who hung on to him, and eventually got away to lead the race for most of the distance to become the first to finish in a time of 4 hours 09 minutes. Keith Davies came in second, six minutes after Matthew, followed soon after by Bill Watson of Haddington ELP, who had travelled down from Edinburgh for the race, and Tim Laney of Team Vasque.
The first lady was Adela Salt of Tentham Running club in a time of 4:37, 6th overall in the race, an outstanding run.
She was closely followed by David Jelley of Ripon Runners, the first V50 to complete the route.
This is an excellent race - low key but well organised - over an outstanding route. Less than two miles of road in the whole thing - compare that with some of the other races in the Vasque series!
Next year sees the 10th running of the race - well worth travelling for!
Written by Tim Laney (4th)
