Race the Train - 20 August 2011

 

Report by Val Brown

We came across this race a few months ago when we were looking for a late summer half marathon as a training run for New Forest. There is the option for various distances, ranging from 3 miles to 14 (ish) miles - we went for the biggy!

The idea is that runners set off at the same time as the train on the Talyllyn Railway in Tywyn, and attempt the complete the 7 mile out and back run in a faster time than it.. With a 2pm start - it all seemed very civilised and meant that we could easily get there and back in a day, although many people were camping so it makes for a good trip away if a group were doing it.

We got our timing perfect, arriving just as competitors were finishing earlier races over shorter distances. The mud on their legs was not a promising sign though - nor was the rain! This was compensated by the atmosphere in the town. Many of the roads were closed, and the streets were lined with supporters. There was a field of around 900 people racing in this distance.

It was quite quirky being started off with a hoot of the train. Fellow competitors who were regulars told us that it is custom for passengers and supporters to attempt to delay the train leaving to increase the chances of runners beating it back!

The course goes around the town for the first mile or so, before heading off road. Much of the first half goes through fields which was actually rather pleasant. It was relatively straight forward, with a few minor elevations and drops.  I saw the train a few times on the course - which added to the party atmosphere - runners and passengers alike were cheering and waving when it passed.

The second half is described as being slower than the first. It became obvious why after reaching the turn around point. From here, the next few miles were largely on very narrow tracks, with no room for overtaking. The wet conditions made it very slippery, and there was little option but to walk at the rate of fellow competitors around you. Quite a few people were slipping over, a few slipping down the banks. The mud went from bad to worse at one point. We were faced with a boggy patch which must have been 20m long. One helpful marshal advised that the going is easier in the middle - good idea if you are 6' tall - but for me - I was soon up to my knees is mud. How I did not fall over or loose a shoe I do not know. After a few more miles of this, we rejoined the course we headed out on, which took us back to the town and the finish line.

The course was very well marshalled - I did not think that I would ever see a race with more marshals than our own events. Hats off to them for standing out in the rain and mud for hours, being very jolly and encouraging. There were also a lot of water stations - at least six from memory, and portaloos at various places around the course.

All in all, this is one of the strangest races I have ever done. But oddly, it was really good fun. Its not one for a PB. Its even difficult to guage year on year because the route changes slightly depending on negociations with land owners for permission to cross fields etc. I would definately do it again.

Incidentally - I did not beat the train (by a long way) - but around 140 people did. The winning time was around 1.21 and the train took about 1.40.

Richard finished 397th in a time of 2.01.44 and I finished 708th in 2.24.13.