GPS Race Maps


Home

Neolithic Marathon 

  Advertised Statistics Measured Statistics
Distance 26.2 miles 26.09 miles
Total Climbs - 3,000 ft climb, 3,700ft descent
Electronic trace Garmin connect

Description by Kevin McGilvray:

"Challenging marathon set in rural Wiltshire and ideal for weekend away- lots of good hotels in historic town of Marlborough and loads of ancient monuments, Stone Age burials grounds, Silsbury Hill and the Vale of Pewsey and the White chalk Horses are all nearby and well worth a visit.

Very well organised marathon all entry costs (very reasonable £23) goes towards The Wiltshire Country Trust. There are a number of other activities which cater for; half marathon, walkers, bikers and canine runners/walkers all undertaken in a very relaxed atmosphere. You can park at Stonehenge and be bussed to start or park at start (recommended) and be bussed back on completion of race. Registration is at Avebury village hall and as a warm up you can run round the Avebury Stones. Race starts at 10am- 2013 there were 400 runners for full marathon and 400 for the half (starts on Salisbury Plain). Though classed as off road- trail shoes are fine but would recommend good road shoe (the amount of soft trail/ off road is 3-4 mile compared to 5-6 road and the rest on hard compact trial). Done this race twice and road shoes were general shoe of choice with majority of runners. Route takes you from Avebury off road across tracks and fields up and over Nape Hill with classic views of Pewsey Vale and the White Horses before dropping down onto a 5-6 mile road section including the climb up to Salisbury Plain. The trail on the plain is not flat and meanders across the Plain for 11miles. Depending whether the Army tanks have crushed the stones it can be tough running on the rocky surface. The route towards the end gives you great views of Stonehenge and the finish is 400m from the stones. Medal on completion together with well stocked foodie bag and drinks plus free pass into Stonehenge. Word of caution- make sure you have your free bus pass for the return journey! Lots of water stations and BBQ at All Cannings Village. Lots of encouragement from the walkers who set off from Avebury from 7pm and stunning views of Wiltshire along the way.."


Profile 

        

 

Home


(C) Copyright John Mayall 2013.  All rights reserved.