Given the enthusiasm of all the volunteers and the unique appeal of the race, it was surprising that the organisers announced that this, the 40th Anniversary of Race The Train would be the last. Personally, I doubt it will be.
Having a race that stands out and attracts runners from across the country is not something to be given up lightly. Over 1,000 runners took part in races from 5k up to the full 14-mile Race The Train. Whether it takes place next year I’m not sure, but I would put good money in it returning in the near future.
And so to the race. As the name implies it involves a train. In fact all the races involve a train. You can get on a train and run back as Kelly Partridge did for her 5K or, if you opt for the full 14-mile race, you’ll be encouraged along the way by cheers and jeers from the passengers as they make their way up and back along the valley.
The full 14-mile Race The Train is the main feature of the day. The problem is that it starts at 2pm after the other races have finished. This isn’t a particular problem except on this occasion when, what started as a very warm day, had turned to a blazing heat with a clear blue sky.
Like pretty much every other runner I had decided that this wasn’t a race to be raced. Self-preservation was the name of the day. I kept the pace nice and steady and made sure I took advantage of every water station. Also, and to be highly recommended, was my Croft Buff which could be drenched at each stop and soaked in a few streams on the way.
The run out along the bottom of the valley is fairly easy. The only real challenge being the lack of shade. Turning for the run home at 7 miles I still felt good – exceptionally good infact as I’d just stopped to chat with Tom and Ali Davies who, unbeknown to us, had travelled up to support us!
The return leg is a bit trickier. Quite a few don’t like the sheep tracks across the hillside which can play havoc with your ankles, but they’ve never really bothered me.
Unfortunately, somewhere between 10 and 11 miles the effect of the heat really hit me. I’ve always said that I enjoy running in the warmth and, for the most part this is true, but after two and a half hours or so I was feeling nauseous and pathetically weak. From then on it was a jog/walk back to the finish in Tywyn.
To add insult to injury the finish takes you past the Honey Ice Cream shop and several pubs where supporters could stand and cheer you on while sipping a cold beer.
My time was over 40 minutes slower than last year – in part due to not being as fit, but very largely due to the heat. In cooler conditions it’s a great run. Hopefully it will be back in the years to come.
I was the last Croftie to finish. There was some truly excellent running in challenging conditions. Oscar 2:08 Steve 2:13 Stuart 2:21 Kath 2:21 Liza 3:02 Huw 3:26. Kelly Partridge finished the 5k in 39:16 beating her time from the previous year.
