Neolithic Marathon Opens Doors to Mountain Bikers
Event: Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon 2009, Sunday 3rd May 2009
For the first time ever cyclists will be invited to join walkers and runners in Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's biggest annual fundraising event, the Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon, on Sunday 3rd May.
"The event is a 26-mile sponsored walk and run between the two World Heritage Sites of Avebury and Stonehenge, and is a firm favourite for walking and marathon aficionados," says Kirsten Kerr-Bonner, the Trust's event organiser. "We often see familiar faces every year and some participants travel in from abroad to take part and raise money for wildlife in our county."
"This year we're aiming to broaden the event's appeal by opening it up to cyclists," she adds.
"They will join the walkers from Redhorn Hill and cycle the 15 miles across Salisbury Plain to Stonehenge. This part of the route makes an excellent cross-country course - though it's gently undulating, there are some rugged spots which will no doubt provide some thrills and make the whole experience an exciting challenge."
Another new addition is the runners' relay for groups of six, giving people of all abilities the chance to take part.
"Typically, a strong runner will do the greater share of the run, but then get their friends in to do the shorter distances."
The route links the two internationally famous World Heritage Sites in Wiltshire and offers some of the best opportunities to admire the county's undulating landscape. For the general public, it's also a chance to walk on parts of Salisbury Plain not usually open to the public.
The full distance is 26 miles but shorter distances are available to cater for different abilities. Walkers can choose to walk the first 11 miles from Avebury to Redhorn Hill, or the final stretch of 15 miles from Redhorn Hill to Stonehenge. Runners can take part in the Neolithic Marathon, which follows the same route as the Trail, with a Half Marathon option from Charlton Clumps to Stonehenge available for those who wish to run a shorter distance.
The event is also open to Cani-Cross runners (canine cross-country), in conjunction with Cani-X UK - an organisation that encourages owners to take their dogs out for a run on a lead or harness rather than a walk.
There are frequent water stations along the route and once participants have reached Stonehenge, they can lie back and enjoy a well-earned massage.
"Last year over 1,500 participants took part raising more than £50,000 - all of the money raised is used to help the Trust continue its work in protecting and safeguarding the wildlife in our county," adds Kirsten.
"The event is a great day out for all the family. The scenery is fantastic with some great opportunities for wildlife spotting - brown hares and lapwings are often sighted, and the flowers on the Plain will be in full bloom offering a real feast for the eyes - which really helps put in perspective what we're trying to achieve with this event." adds Kirsten.
If you would like to take part, you can register online via the Trust's website at www.wiltshirewildlife.org, or by contacting Kirsten on (01380) 725670. Participants are also able to register on the day.
The Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon registration fees
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Entry Type |
2009 Price |
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Adult Full Walk |
£25.00 |
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Adult Half Walk |
£18.00 |
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Child (under 16) |
£6.00 |
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Watch member |
£4.50 |
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Family (2 adults, 3 children) |
£50.00 |
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Group Rate (5 adults or more) |
£20.00 |
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Marathon |
£30.00 |
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Half Marathon |
£25.00 |
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Relay Team (per person) |
£6.00 |
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Mountain Bike Adult |
£10.00 |
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Mountain Bike Child |
£6.00 |
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Mountain Bike Family |
£30.00 |
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For Cani-Cross entry please go to the Cani-Cross website
An adult MUST accompany children under 16 - there are four busy roads and a mainline railway to cross along the route.
The Registration Fee covers administration costs such as transport, tentage and refreshments.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
One of the UK's leading nature conservation charities, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has 20,000 members and supporters, and more than a thousand volunteers, working to conserve the Wiltshire countryside and the rich variety of plants and animals that live there.
The Trust owns or manages 2,000 acres of nature reserves that provide havens for plants and animals. It also advises landowners on how to manage their land with wildlife in mind, and comments on structure plans and planning applications that affect sites of wildlife interest. The Trust is also actively promotes energy efficiency and waste prevention in the home, community wildlife programmes and environmental education.
Image: Freefoto.com
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