Race the Train is an annual charity event in Tywyn, Mid Wales. Organised by Tywyn Rotary Club, runners compete in several races against our Talyllyn Railway trains. Find out what happened in 2019’s race.

Despite the weather being a bit grim during the preceding week, it was kind on the day to the over 1700 runners taking part in Tywyn Rotary Club’s annual Race the Train on Saturday 17 August.

The challenge is to arrive back in Tywyn before the Race Train. There are two race trains during the day – the morning Quarry (10k) & Dolgoch (5.5miles) Challenge races and then the big one – the afternoon’s 14 mile Rotary Challenge. There’s also a 3.5 mile Tynllwynhen Challenge. All the races take place on farmland and paths following the railway line as closely as safely possible. Family and supporters can travel on other trains through the day, to wave and cheer on the runners. 

If you’re up for a challenge next year – the times to beat are 1h 48m for the Rotary Challenge, and 55m for the Quarry Challenge. This year’s first past the post was Alexander Lanz with a time of 1h 22m 26s – well done! Congratulations to everyone who beat the train and took part – see you again next year?

Thanks as always to everyone who works hard throughout the year to make the race happen, and those who help out on the day. Tywyn has such an amazing atmosphere on race day, it’s a not to be missed experience!

For more information about the race and to register for 2020 please visit the Race the Train website.

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The photo gallery shows the Quarry Challenge race and then the race train preparing for the Rotary Challenge. Photos by Karen Willans.