Wiltshire Long Distance Walkers Association are the hosts for this self navigated tour of the Vale of Pewsey and the Marlborough Downs.
Intrepid ultra Runner Dan Williams was the only club member taking on the challenge, having competed at this for the last 2 years. From the 4 distances on offer, Dan selected the marathon route (26.8 miles to be more exact). Armed with a sheet of directions, he set off along the footpaths and bridleways to find all 3 checkpoints and taking in some historic sights, such as the Avebury Stone Circle, The Sanctuary and a Windmill Hill along the way. 
“I was using this race as a part of my ultra training. I’ve been on holiday here all week clocking up my first 100 mile week”
It may have been a training run for our Dan but it was 3100 feet of ascent, sprinkled in and around some pretty muddy tracks.
“After 2 miles it was clear that I was going to be leading the field so I went ahead. I ran every hill including the Giants Grave (320 feet worth). I ran the last hill at 20 miles and still felt good so I went for it at the end”
And what an effort it was! Our Dan crossed the line in 1st place in 3 hours and 47 minutes. One could say it was a comfortable win as the 2nd place runner arrived over an hour later!
Fantastic running Dan.
