Runners Race the Train in this unique event.
When: 16th August 2014
Where: Tywyn, Mid Wales
£: Entry fees for the races cost from £12 to £27. Train spectator tickets cost £14 for adults and £9 for children.
What is it?
On Saturday 16th August 2014, the 31st annual Race the Train event will take place in Tywyn, Mid 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.
The 14 mile long Rotary Challenge.
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.
This year there are several different races taking place, beginning with the 10K Quarry Challenge. There is also the 14 mile long Rotary Challenge and the shorter Dolgoch and Tynllwynhen Challenges. For the youngest of competitors there is even a Toddlers Trot. Over the years the race has attracted many runners from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, America, Hong Kong and Africa.
During the evening there is a prize giving ceremony with food, drink and entertainment which goes on until 11pm.
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. Action for Children is a UK children’s charity committed to helping the most vulnerable and neglected children. Helping young people break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full potential.
More info: www.racethetrain.com