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This was the 32nd running of this unique event in Twyn,
Wales. Runners and a light steam train (packed with
spectators) set off at the same time, and the runners
have to get to the finish line before the train. The
train typically gets to the end station in around 1hr
47/48-ish, so for a runner with a sub-1.40 half marathon
PB, that doesn't sound too tricky.
Don't be deceived! This is probably the most technically
challenging course I have ever run. Amongst other things,
we had to vault a gate, run through a stream, dodge a
rotting sheep, and deal with a fair bit of mud in the
mid-section. There were short, sharp hills for most of
the course, with even the front-runners walking a few of
them. Most challenging of all was the camber of the
'path' in the second half of the race. For at least 2
miles you are running at a 45-degree angle, on a very
narrow single-file track. I took an unscheduled tumble,
and narrowly avoided nutting a large wooden stake.
Don't let any of the above put you off - it's a fantastic
race and brilliantly organised. Your friends and family
can even ride the train if you book early enough! For
those who don't think they can beat the main train, there
is a second train that arrives about 15mins after the
first, which gives another target to aim for. |
