Race the train - Twyn Mid-Wales 18th August

A unique event in the racing calendar, held each August. The runners pit themselves against a steam train that used to serve the slate mining industry, but has now been turned into a tourist train.

The runners and train set off from the centre of Tywyn and race 7 miles to the turnaround point, the runners following the train course as closely as possible using road, fields, paths, farms and sheep tracks. The train has to stop at each station along the way, and has to be turned around at the far end. The runners then head up into the hills and then race back to Tywyn trying to beat the train, covering a total distance of 14.75 miles. Around 80 athletes each year actually manage to beat the train back into Tywyn, an amazing achievement considering the terrain underfoot!

Most runners treat this as a weekend away, and the Saturday night after the race is usually full of high spirits, the Peelers customarily choosing to stay at the campsite within walking distance of the race start, meaning loads of room for accommodation so partners and non runners can come along and join the fun. There is always the option of non-runners riding on the train we race against to cheer, shout and throw abuse.

This year the Peelers took their own marquee to accommodate us all for the barbeque and drink session that always follows the race. For most the social side of this event is the main reason they attend and cements this as a must do event on the calendar. See you there :-)