Where: Tywyn, Mid Wales
£: Entry fees vary depending on which race you take part in (see the website for further details)
What is it?
The 30th annual Race the Train challenge will be taking place on 17th August in Wales.
This unique event sees competitors run the route (or as near as possible) of the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. Entrants will run on a mixture of public roads, lanes, tracks, agricultural land and rough grazing pastures to complete the challenge (and beat the train). Often the railway line and the train itself, is just over the fence from the runners. Those travelling on the train shout encouragement to the challengers.
Spectators should note that capacity for travelling on the race trains is quite limited. There is a second train that runs soon after the race train which spectators can take to cheer on the slower runners though.
The Talyllyn Railway was the first of the small railways to be rescued by a preservation society and is now one of The Great Little Trains of Wales.
The races begin just after 11am. The event will be raising money for the Action for Children charity.
More info: www.racethetrain.com