Marilyn's Meldon Madness
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Marilyn's Meldon Madness
Marilyn's Meldon Madness, formerly known as The Great West Fell Run, is an off-road running event held in the vicinity of Okehampton. The event serves as a memorial to Marilyn Cooper and is licensed by the Fell Runners Association. Race headquarters are located at the Meldon dam pay and display car park, with the start and finish lines situated a short walk across the dam.
The senior race covers a distance of 5 miles and features a total ascent of 1,362ft. The course reaches the highest point in the south of England at High Willhays and passes other local landmarks including Yes Tor, Black Tor, and Homerton Hill before finishing at the Meldon reservoir. Participants must navigate the course themselves as accurate marking is difficult. There are compulsory checkpoints where runners are required to provide their race numbers to stewards.
Available distances include:
- 5 miles (Senior race)
- 4 km (Junior race for Under 13 and Under 15)
- 2 km (Junior race for Under 9 and Under 11)
The junior events take place on a route at Longstone Hill. The 4 km course includes sections of boggy ground. While there is no mandatory kit list for the senior race, the organizers advise participants to carry a whistle, raincoat, and hat during inclement weather. For navigation purposes, a map and compass are also recommended for those unfamiliar with the terrain. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
