WALK, RUN or CYCLE through the heart of Wiltshire

SUNDAY 2ND MAY 2010
 

Registration for the Sarsen Trail is now closed
Walkers only can register on the day.

Time results for 2010

Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon time results will be available a few days after the event on the link below. Timings have been provided by raceachead event services. They have been providing chip timing for the marathon, half marathon and Cani-Cross for a number of years.

Results

The Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon is an annual 26 mile walk and run across the Wiltshire countryside. The route is unique, linking two of the UK’s World Heritage sites - the ancient stone circle of Avebury and the world famous Stonehenge. The trail takes you across the Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Valley, with their stunning views, and then the contrasts of Salisbury Plain, parts of which are normally closed to the public. The multi-terrain route is a mix of grassland tracks and roads with variable surfaces.

The northern half of the route from Avebury to Redhorn Hill is an area rich in wildlife and you can expect to see Skylark (Alauda arvensis), Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus), Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) and Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis). The route crosses fields and country lanes as well as a couple of busier roads and the railway line. The southern half of the route from Redhorn Hill to Stonehenge takes you across Salisbury Plain. Here you can hope to spot hairstreaks, Dingy Skippers (Erynnis tages) and Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)butterflies. For plant enthusiasts the chalk downlands offer orchids, cowslips, milkworts, scabious, knapweed, and many grasses. The route to The Bustard takes you along the Ministry of Defence track after which there is a mixture of grass and farm tracks.

Walkers

There are four distances to choose from:

* 7 miles - Avebury to All Cannings takes 2-3 hours. Suitable for families and those wanting a more leisurely walk

* 11 miles - Avebury to Redhorn takes 3-4 hours.  A more demanding walk with a hill climb

* 15 miles - Redhorn to Stonehenge takes 4-5 hours.  A level walk over Salisbury Plain

* 26 miles - Avebury to Stonehenge takes 8-9 hours. Complete the entire route

Marathon and Half Marathon

The Neolithic Marathon is a multi-terrain, undulating cross-country course of moderate severity open to runners aged 18 and above. We offer full (26miles) & half marathon (13 miles) distances. The Marathon starts at Avebury & the Half Marathon starts at Charlton Clumps. Both races finish at Stonehenge. Numbers are limited to 350 runners in each race.

Mountain Bike

The Sarsen Mountain Bike Trail is 15 miles running from the top of Redhorn Hill, along Salisbury Plain to the finish at Stonehenge. All riders park at Stonehenge and are transported with their bikes to the start. Numbers are limited to 200 riders.

Cani-Cross

Hosted in conjunction with Cani-Cross UK this is for runners with dogs over a 21k and 6k course. For full details visit the Cani-Cross website 

Other information

The route is fully stewarded with first aid cover and support vehicles. A free coach service is offered for walkers and runners between the starting and finishing points. We provide regular water and toilet stops with refreshments available along the route. All participants who cross the finish line at Stonehenge receive free refreshments at the end.

To celebrate your achievement, a medal will be awarded to all those who finish their chosen route. The route may be muddy in wet weather and dusty and rutted when dry. Please dress appropriately for the conditions and ensure you are fit enough to take part.

By taking part in this sponsored walk or run you will be helping to keep the county rich in wildlife. Every penny made from the walk goes to the Trust, the county’s biggest nature conservation charity. This event is our main fundraising event and takes place on the first May Spring Bank Holiday each year.

For more information contact us using the email form below.

View some images below from the 2009 Sarsen Trail