HISTORY OF THE MALVERN MIDSUMMER MARATHON
The original event was the idea of James 'Mac' McArthur who was the first B&W chairman. Together with Tony Rowley & Derek Farmer the first event was planned
and took place on 25th June 1977.Over the years the event has taken various routes over & around the Malvern Hills. For many years the group gave a choice of either 25 or 35 mile routes. Eventually Mac handed over the running of the event to other group members including Shirley & Chris Hume who were assisted with the route descriptions by John Bickerstaffe. Following Shirley & Chris the task of organising was taken over in 1994 by Molly & Mike Dixon with Dave Street as entry secretary.
Since it's inception in 1977 only two years have been missed, once due to the Foot & Mouth outbreak and once in 2006 when the group could not support it due to their commitment to the first WyeForest 50 event. Following the 2006 layoff it was felt that the organisers should look at simplifying the logistics for running the event. Dave Street devised a new 26 mile route for 2007 which incorporated the full length of the Malvern range and also made the route easier to marshal. At the suggestion of Mike Dixon an extra loop on Castlemorton Common satisfied the desire for those who like an extra challenge. It turned out that this "innovation" was history repeating it's self because we found that one of Mac's early routes also went over Castlemorton Common. Although it would have been nice to continue running two routes the group had to be realistic. It takes a huge effort in terms of time & man power to run these events and so, regrettably, it was decided to abandon the long route in 2008. In that year the reins of power were handed over to Brian Pitts who organised the final three B&W events.
Of course, all the organiser's efforts would be of little use without the dedicated team of helpers both before hand, checking the route and preparing those much loved check point goodies and the team of on the day marshals.
Unfortunately 2010 was the final Malvern Midsummer Marathon organised by Bristol & West. Our friends in the Heart of England group have agreed to take over running this popular event.
Long may it continue.
Click on the topograph image for the picture gallery of the final Malvern Midsummer Marathon organised by the Bristol & West LDWA.
Website created by Dave Street