2007 Reports
Last updated: Monday, 28 May, 2007One Handicap Too Far!
Event: The 20 Mile Marlborough Downs Challenge 2007
Time: 10:30am
Date: Saturday, 19 May 2007
Venue: Marlborough
I was lucky enough to take part in the Marlborough Downs Challenge on Saturday and I can say that it was an unforgettable experience. The route, almost entirely off–road, was absolutely superb with great views over the Downs. The organisation was great and both competitors and organisers were very friendly. For my first trail race, I opted for the short course (20 miles), there is also a 33–mile option for the most enduring.
Most of the difficulties were concentrated in the first part of the course with a few gates to overcome.
Some threatening cows.
Plenty of wind, mud, and all the rest but very scenic views.
The second part of the course was much easier and I managed to take a couple more pictures on my phone.
I’ve attached a full summary of the race (speed, heart rate, elevation, etc.) from my Garmin GPS system.
You will notice from the graph below that the speed was up (blue graph) and the heart rate (in red) down after an hour and a half:
You can also see the full results of the Marlborough Downs Challenge by going to the results section ».
I’ve also attached a Google Earth file with a plot of the course (– you will need to download and save the file to your hard drive and have Google Earth installed on the computer in order to open it).
Hope to be back next year – 33 miles maybe, 20 miles surely!
Richard Thevenon