(Take a look below for detailed information about The Terminator).

THE TERMINATOR

 A PEWSEY VALE RUNNING CLUB SPECTACULAR

 Warning: “Our t-shirts are earned not just given!”

Deep in the heart of Wiltshire lies the village of Pewsey.

The village has long been famed for its carnival, now in its second century, which is held during the first two weeks in September.  Thousands of visitors come to watch, amongst other events, the wheelbeerow race and the carnival procession.

More recently, it has become famous with runners from far and wide for the multi-terrain race, organised by Pewsey Vale Running Club, held late each February.  From a couple of hundred in its early days, the race has grown to over 800 runners in 2004, as word of the course’s scenery, the challenge it poses and the post-race cakes has spread.

Originally about 10 miles, the course was revised two years ago and is now nearer 11 miles, the original two energy sapping climbs having been increased to four.

Starting on the playing fields at Pewsey sports centre, the first three quarters of a mile takes the runners back towards the village centre and out to the north eastern fringe of the village.  It then continues eastwards for a mile or so, across country and down a narrow lane towards Anvil’s Farm and the hamlet of Milkhouse Water.

A short sharp climb brings runners on to the footpath of the Kennet & Avon canal at about two miles, on which they continue eastwards for just over half a mile to the hamlet of New Mills.

Quickly passing through New Mills, the course enters a lush green meadow …. or more often than not a water meadow ….  before continuing eastwards along the side of a field to Totteridge Farm.  As the farm is approached, depending on recent rainfall, a muddy quagmire can be encountered.

Through the farmyard, and with three miles gone, the course goes straight on through another field, at the end of which it turns left for a hundred yards  or so on the narrow road to Wootton Rivers.  It then turns east again on a bridle path, before turning right at the crossroads with another bridle path to head south towards the Bruce’s Arms public house on the Pewsey to Burbage road.

Crossing the road, and continuing straight on, the four mile mark is passed, at which point it will soon become obvious that the warm up will soon be over, as the approaching hills loom.

Just over half a mile on from the road, the path starts to climb and begins to narrow. Height is quickly gained as the gradient steepens through The Gully, which in wet weather can be a raging torrent.  This eventually comes out on the narrow road that comes up from Milton Lilbourne, just short of the five mile mark.

Turning down the road towards Milton Lilbourne for 500 yards, a sharp left turn brings the runners face to face with The Cwm.

For the those not at the front of the field, a long snake of runners will be seen going across the field and up the steep climb that awaits them.

After pausing for breath – use the excuse of looking back to see the not to be missed view towards Martinsell and Oare Hills across the other side of the Vale of Pewsey - the course rejoins the narrow road out of Milton Lilbourne just above the top of The Gully.

The road is followed for 400 yards or so, before the course turns right onto a long grassy lane. 

After a steady climb over half a mile, with six miles gone, a left and a right turn along the edge of a field brings the course to its highest point at Milton Hill Clump and Fyfield Down.

As a stile is crossed, the first sighting of Pewsey can be seen, some 450 feet down in the vale below. 

Bearing to the right across the grassy top of Fyfield Down, the whole vista of the Vale of Pewsey opens up, with the chimneys of the cement works at Westbury some twenty miles to the west visible on a clear day.  As height begins to be lost, the course soon picks up a chalk track that can be seen curving left down to the Vale.

As the track sweeps downwards, a nagging doubt can enter runners’ minds.  “Pewsey only looks couple of miles away …. but we’ve only done around seven miles”.

Don’t worry – you won’t be short changed – as we said, our t-shirts are earned, not given.

Following the ridge down to the right-hand clump of trees, the course drops off to the right of them to the foot of the vale.  As the path flattens, the course turns back on itself as a fenceline is crossed.  It then skirts round the bottom of the trees, before bearing left and heading off towards Pewsey Hill, seen in the background.

After half a mile or so of relatively flat running, and eight miles passed, the steep ascent to Pewsey Hill is reached.  At the top of the climb, the course then turns right along the skyline before dropping back in to the Vale again, down The Bobsleigh Run at the end of the ridge.

With about nine miles gone, there is one final twist to the course.  Instead of going straight on towards Pewsey on the obvious track at the bottom of The Bobsleigh Run, a left turn is taken along the path that hugs the foot of the hill.

Half a mile later, a sharp turn upwards leads to The Sting in the Tale, with the final ascent up to the Pewsey white horse.

From the top of this final climb, the homeward track to Pewsey is obvious, seen here looking back to the White Horse, with the finish some mile and a half away.

As Pewsey is reached, with more than ten miles gone, one final surprise awaits the field.

With showers available at the finish, it is only right that runners should not enter the sports centre with muddy feet.  Welcome to The Shoewash!

With pristine shoes, the last three quarters of a mile takes the course up to the church, turns left along a footpath along the field edge at the back of houses and on to the playing fields for the last 500 yards sprint to the finish.

As you cross the finish line and clutch you’re commemorative t-shirt, remember you were warned that “Our t-shirts are earned, not given!”  And don’t forget that the famous Pewsey Vale Running Club homemade cakes await you at the race café.

Postscript:  Because of the generosity of our sponsors and the field that the Terminator has attracted, Pewsey Vale Running Club has recently been able to make a substantial donation to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the charity fund of the Pewsey Carnival Committee.   Thank you everyone.

For an Entry Form for The Terminator 2009 race.

To view Information, Travel & Accommodation for the Terminator race.

Dear Runner,

 PVRC celebrating our 20^th year would like to invite you to participate in The Terminator . This popular event is now in its fifth year and we have modified the course to present you with some new challenges!

• Race HQ, Registration and Refreshments  –  Pewsey Vale School,

Wilcot Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5EW. Tea, coffee and delicious cakes will be available.

• The Course – 11 (ish) miles. Mixture of footpaths, tracks, x-country and (a little bit) of road. Some significant hills to give you a nice rest on the down leg. Spikes are NOT recommended but shoes should have a good grip. No dogs please as there is likely to be livestock en route.
• Car Parking - At Pewsey School & Sports Centre and other Pewsey car parks (free). Please obey marshal’s instructions.

Note: Several of the car parks are 5-10 minutes walk from the start.

• Toilets , Changing & Showers – All at Pewsey School. Please

       remove muddy shoes before entering.

• The Start – The race starts at 10:30 am from the school.
• Drink Stations – at 2.5, 5 and 7 miles and at the finish.
• The Finish – Back at the school.
• Prizes  -  Spot Prizes and for the following categories:

• Presentation – 1:00 pm approx.

• Results – Posted to you (£1.00 to cover costs) or  Full results will be on our website: www.pewseyvalerunningclub.com
• T-Shirts Guaranteed to all entries before 6^th February who complete the course.
• Entry – By Post to arrive by 7/2/2009 (form opposite)  Please enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope (size C5 – 162 x 229mm) with your application, or online at www.runnersworld.co.uk

UKA License: applied for.