The Wharfedale Off-Road Marathon is a 25 mile fell race which starts and finishes at Wharfedale Rugby Club, Wharfeside Avenue, Threshfield, BD23 5BS and takes in some of Wharfedales finest scenery with a brief foray into Malhamdale following well established footpaths including the Dalesway, the Monks Road and Mastiles Lane with over 2,530 feet of ascent. The race starts at 10.30 am and directions and grid references are detailed below, all entrants must have map reading experience and carry the appropriate map. The event is conducted under the Fell-Runners Association Rules for competition and is a category CL Run. Please ensure you read and understand the rules of entry which are listed below.
Refreshments - Tea and biscuits are available at the start and water will be provided at all manned checkpoints. Food will be available at the finish.
Clubhouse Facilities - Ladies and Gentlemen's changing rooms available with showers, please bring your own towels. There is a loung and dining area, food and full bar facilities will operate throughout the day.
Awards - Everyone completing the race will receive a commemorative T-Shirt plus a duffel bag and "goodies" kindly provided by national sports shop chain Up & Running. Prizes will be awarded in the usual categories plus additional prizes according to the number of competitors.
Race Numbers & Si Cards - Will be issued on the day
Route - START: Wharfedale RUFC: GR 990643 - Leave the Clubhouse via Wharfeside Avenue towards Grassington, cross over River Wharfe Bridge to: GR 998639
Follow footpath to Grass Wood Lane, cross road and follow lane up to Town Head Farm. Turn right to follow diverted route of Dalesway (signposted) around Town Head Farm; continue along Dalesway to Scott Gate Lane: CHECKPOINT GR 992682 (water available)
Continue along Dalesway to GR 976709 turn right along unclassified road and continue beyond Scargill House to GR 975715 where Dalesway footpath turns right through a field gate. Continue along Dalesway to Kettlewell, opposite King's Head Inn: CHECKPOINT GR 971723 (water available)
Continue through the village to the main road and then bear left to river bridge: GR 968722 follow road B6160 towards Kilnsey to: GR 968718 follow footpath (initially steep and uneven surface) above Knipe Scar to Hawkswick and Hawkswick foot bridge CHECKPOINT GR 953707 (water available)
Cross foot bridge, follow footpath along riverside to Arncliffe Green: CHECKPOINT & REFRESHMENTS GR 932718 join footpath behind the Falcon Inn: GR 931718 continue along Monks Road footpath to Middle House Farm: GR 907677
Having crossed wall by ladder stile bear right to follow the Monks footpath to Malham Tarn: CHECKPOINT GR 897671 (water available) turn left to follow track to Street Gate: GR 905656 follow Mastiles Lane to CHECKPOINT GR 935657 turn right to Bordley Green Farm to CHECKPOINT GR 943650 (water available)
Follow footpath to Higher Heights Holes, turn right on to bridle path to: UNMANNED CHECKPOINT GR 958646 cross Boss Moor to gateway and: UNMANNED CHECKPOINT GR 957633 pass through the gateway turn left and follow footpath across Moor and via Lane House to Skirethorns to B6160 GR 989638.
Cross the main road and follow the lane which leads past some agricultural buildings to Wharfeside Avenue and return to the Clubhouse FINISH.
Rules of Entry
1. The Fell Runners Association Rules for Competion shall apply to this event.
2. Entry is available to experienced fell runners of 18 years or over at of 1st January 2009.
3. The Route visits 8 checkpoints in the correct order within 6 hours or 5 checkpoints for the Half Marathon. The last two checkpoints are not stewarded and competitors will be required to dip their Si-Card in the timing box located at each of these checkpoints.
4. The route is defined by direction and grid references show above and accordingly entrants must have adequate map reading ability to enable them to follow the route directions. Marker flags will be placed only in locations where the organisers feel the route may be less distinct on the ground than would be ideal.
5. Runners must be equipped with and prepared to carry all of the following :OS Outdoor Leisure Map Number 2, compass, whistle, windproof whole body cover, other body cover appropriate for the weather, emergency food and drink. Checks of this equipment will be made at the start.
6. Any Competitor wishing to retire must only do so at a controlled checkpoint and hand in their Si-Card to the checkpoint Steward.
Remember: The route follows established, signposted footpaths and tracks. Diversion from the route will lead to disqualification.
Enter On-line:- https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=296
Download an Entry Form:- http://www.ukresults.net/forms/100605wharfedale.pdf
