Marilyn's Meldon Madness

Event Overview

Marilyn's Meldon Madness, formerly known as The Great West Fell Run, is an off-road running event held near Okehampton. The race is named in memory of Marilyn Cooper and is licensed by the Fell Runners Association. Race headquarters is located at the Meldon dam pay and display car park. The start and finish lines are situated a short walking distance from the far side of the dam.

Course Details

The senior race follows a route that reaches the highest point in the south of England. Participants navigate a course featuring a 1,362ft ascent and total length of 5 miles. The path goes over Yes Tor and High Willhays before descending via Black Tor and Homerton Hill toward the Meldon reservoir.

This event requires self-navigation as the course is not fully marked. Runners must pass through several compulsory checkpoints and provide their race number to the stewards at each location.

Junior Categories

There are dedicated races for younger participants with various distances based on age groups:

• 2 km for Under 9 and Under 11 categories.
• 4 km for Under 13 and Under 15 categories, featuring sections of boggy ground.

The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Juniors aged 16 and over are eligible to compete in the senior event.

Equipment and Safety

While there are no mandatory kit requirements under normal conditions, it is advisable to carry a whistle, raincoat, and hat during inclement weather. Due to the navigation requirements, runners may also choose to carry a map and compass. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.