One of our runners – Richard Palmer – recently ventured into Wales to take on the challenge to ‘Race The Train’…
As we set out from Leicestershire it was a warm summer’s day, however we arrived in a very cool and wet Tywyn , Gwyned in mid Wales. Much better running weather for 14 miles cross country!
The aim of the race is to beat the steam train on its journey from the coast at Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and then back to Tywyn (1hr 47m).
The race route begins by following the railway line across lanes, tracks, grassland and through farms. It was wet so I kept hold of my jacket, although i admit to enjoying running in these conditions!
I felt good by half way (1hr 5mins), but the second half got much tougher! The terrain was up up up 280 metres and became a proper fell race. There was also high winds and head on rain!
I saw and heard the train a couple of times. Spectators can watch the race on the train, I kept on plodding through the hills and fields and eventually made it to the finish in the town of Tywyn.
Despite the tough weather conditions it was great fun, I was happy with 2hrs 26mins. The race is definitely worth doing, super scenery and close to the sea.