RUNNERS in the Marlborough area have a new challenge coming up with the first Marlborough Temple Trail next month.

The half marathon course starts and ends at Marlborough Rugby Club, and takes in some of the most beautiful countryside in the county. It setting off at 11am on Sunday, September 20.

It is the brainchild of old friends Mark Thompson, from Devizes, and Amy Chalk, of Stanley, Chippenham, who has represented Great Britain in endurance events.

Mr Thompson, who lives in Spitalcroft Road, Devizes, said: “Amy is my wife’s best friend and we have been talking about holding a race event for some time. It took us nine months to find the course but I think we have got a fantastic one.”

So far some 60 runners have registered to take part but Mr Thompson expects many more to sign up before or on the day.

Competitors will start off from the rugby club on the Common before heading out on Frees Avenue towards Rockley with some off-road running alongside the gallops at Barton Down.

The course leads through Temple Farm Estate, which gives its name to the half marathon, where runners will be treated to nearly three miles of fast tarmac and some stunning scenery before an off-road climb up towards Hackpen Hill and onto the Ridgeway. The return journey takes in Fyfield Downs nature reserve before picking up the White Horse Trail towards Manton. There are several fields to negotiate before the final, gradual climb next to Hyde Lane and back to the rugby club.

There are prizes for the top three male and female finishers in several categories. To register go to cadence-events.co.uk/product/Marlborough-temple-trail-half-marathon