DETAILED INFORMATION FOR THE MUSBURY CASTLE CHALLENGE

Below is information, hopefully you will find very useful.  Please read carefully.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS 

Arriving from Plymouth / Exeter direction:

Leave M5 at junction 29 for new A30.  Head towards Honiton and then exit on Honiton bypass following signs for Axminster and turn onto A35.

After approximately 7 miles you should be at Shute Cross (Little Chef) turn right at the crossroads, follow road signs for Shute/Colyton.

After about 1½ miles you will come to a fork in the road (Seaton Junction) by a railway bridge.  Take the left hand turning and pass down through Whitford and on to Musbury, approx 2 miles.  You will then arrive at Musbury Crossroads; turn left for about 30m for main car park.

If you come via the coast roads i.e. Sidmouth and Seaton, follow the signs for Axmouth and then Musbury.

Arriving from M5 via Chard / Taunton direction:

Leave M5 at junction 25 onto A358.  Head down to A358/A303 roundabout and take the third exit off it.  Follow signs for Chard (A358) and Axminster.

In Axminster town, pass by the George Hotel to your right and turn into South Street (a one way street), which is slightly to the left and ahead of your junction (do not turn right to follow the Musbury sign as it’s the long way round).  Go straight on until the next major junction, which is the main Musbury / Axminster road. Go straight on for approximately 3 miles. 

Main car park and facilities will be sign posted.

Arriving from Bridport / Dorchester direction:

Head towards Axminster on the A35 but instead of turning into Lyme Road (to Axminster) from Raymond’s Hill, go straight on down the hill for about a mile and turn right at (Abbygate junction) come down the slip road to junction turning left onto the A358 and head towards Musbury, which is approx 2 miles further on.  Go to the bottom of Marlborough road where you will find the main car park and facilities which will be sign posted.

Multi-Map link

7.75 – MILE MAIN RUN

The main run is over approximately 7.75 miles with a tough climb that starts the last quarter of the the first mile.  For that reason it is essential you give yourself enough time to warm up properly before the start.  There will be roving Quad bikes over the main hill in case of difficulties so that you should be never far from assistance should you require it.  There will be ample drinking water at the start as well as drinking stations at around 2 & 5 miles.  Race starts at 1030am

2.5 – MILE MINI CHALLENGE/JUNIOR RACE

The mini run will cover the same steep hill at the start where it will then split and follow its own path to the finish.  So that the main run can get away and clear the mini run will start a few minutes later.  Because this run returns to the same road as the main run before going on to the finish, it is imperative that you follow the marshals instructions and signs to avoid the faster finishing runners from that main run.

FACILITIES

The following facilities are available on the day:

Changing in Village Hall for Male / Female (sorry no showers).  Please avoid the pub as it will be open for trade and the landlord doesn’t want customers queuing behind runners to use these facilities.

On the day registration will take place outside by the Golden Hind Inn, it will be sign posted.  If you are bringing other people to enter on the day please arrive early so that we can have all administration done before the race starts

Car parks are limited, although there will be a field (weather dependant) available for vehicles to park off the main road (see diagram), which will be marshalled.  Any problems ask the marshals for guidance.

Trophies for all categories in the Main event will be awarded at approx 1200pm, the Mini run/junior race will be as soon as all categories have completed and in any case will be announced on the PA.

A race results service will be available on request; a small charge will be made.  Alternatively, results will be listed on this site as well as www.axevalleyrunners.org.uk and www.racerunner.org within 24hours.

The run is held at a time of year when the weather is likely to be inclement, a bin liner makes an ideal covering to keep yourself dry until the race starts.

OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE:

• The Golden Hind Inn is a local pub which normally opens early on the day and is normally open until late afternoon.  There will be an outdoor food stand from 9am for Tea/Coffee, and hot takeaway snacks.  The marshals will get priority for food early on as they will be out in the hills marshalling and we like to ensure they get a chance of something to eat and drink beforehand.

• Musbury Garage is also adjacent to the start/finish area and will be open all day with normal fuel facilities and a small shop selling a wide range of refreshments.

• We normally encourage a selection of stalls which are run by local associations selling various local goods/produce, normally for charities.  This all adds to the atmosphere as well as give supporters, friends and family something to browse over whilst the run is under way.

Detailed Map of the Start/Finish Area

This map shows the main points of interest to the runners, an area, which is on a busy crossroads and will be marshalled.  The Start/finish is in the Street, which will be closed from 0930am until approximately 1pm or before if the race is deemed complete. 

As a reminder, the race starts at 1030am or as soon as the on day entries are complete.

Hope these instructions prove useful to you and good luck on the day.