Competitors will be trying not to run out of steam as they take on the challenge to Race the Train in Wales.
The 36th annual Race the Train event will be taking place in Tywyn, Mid Wales, on Saturday 17th August. This unique event sees competitors run the route (or as near as possible) of the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back.
Participants 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. Race supporters travel on the trains and shout encouragement to the challengers.
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. The races begin just after 11am.
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‘.
This year the event will be raising money for Blind Veterans UK.
When: 17th August 2019
Where: Tywyn, Mid Wales
£: Challenges cost £5 – £32 to enter
More info: www.racethetrain.com
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