Neolithic Marathon & Sarcen Trail: Finish

This is amongst the best trail runs if you enjoy undulating open ground!
I am sorry to say I had not put in enough training miles for the full 26miler, so I entered the Half starting at Charlton Clumps on Salisbury Plain. Feeling a little worried that I would fail to complete the course I carried a 'Dog Fish' runners hydration pack with 1.5 litres of water a camera to record moments and my phone..car keys,snack bar ...crazy! I am normally running in all conditions snow, wind & rain in just shorts and helly vest!! So why the change I ask myself.
Anyway, I set off from the back of the pack and soon settled in to a good 9 min.pace. The sun shone and roasted many entrants... drank all the water and ran a great 2hours enjoying every moment...I will not be carrying so much clutter next time and plan on 1hour 45.
This is a really fantastic run, the tracks are wide and probably firm even when the weather is bad...I want to go back right now and do it all again!

Off Salisbury Plain you briefly pass civilisation via a short stretch of road and a pub. The next section is a bit of a shock as you find yourself on a deeply rutted track and facing the question of balancing along the middle or down in foot-deep ruts, some of which are inches from ditches… This was the only section where walkers were really annoying, as in some places you had to ask them to move aside so you could pass.

Then on to a farm road… You approach the finish up a stony track. Some people complained about this last hill (small compared to what’s come before, but it is sharp right at the end), but I loved it. There was actually a nice stretch of turf running alongside. The best running surface the whole way in my opinion, and I ran up it!

Over the top, and in site of the finish below, you turn into a field. And another nasty surprise… It’s full of huge grass tussocks! Perfect ankle turning facilities… By now I’d been spotted, and someone with a loudspeaker was announcing my arrival! With a welcome like that I had to run didn’t I? However a straight course was impossible. I ran slowly and carefully along a meandering animal track towards the finish… where several of the staff gathered to clap me in.

After that the announcer turned to the walkers coming in (including a gang dressed as Roman centurions who I’d talked to a few times (they were walking, but fast, which meant for a while my runs took me ahead, then they caught me again on my walks!). I got my medal, which is one of the best I’ve had, some food and a drink, all free. The food was delicious veggie stuff: a pita with humus, pizza, and I think some cake. Then it was on to my free visit to Stonehenge, which I’ve reviewed separately.

All in all I wouldn’t recommend the Neolithic for those looking for a personal best. I’d also say for a first marathon you’d be better on an easier course (like London!). But for a challenge and for organisation and atmosphere it’s hard to beat. Definitely a must do.

Search for ‘neomara’ in the United Kingdom for more reviews along the course.