2009 Reports
Last updated: Sunday, 23 August, 2009Racing The Train
Event: Race The Train – Quarry Challenge
Time: 11:35am
Date: Saturday, 15 August, 2009
Venue: Tywyn, Wales
Legend has it that, just over a quarter of a century ago, a few men sat in the local pub on the western coast of Wales, discussing the narrow gauge Talyllyn railway and ancient steam engine that runs on it. A few beers were enjoyed and then the bold statement was thrown down, “I could run faster than that bloody train.” The bet was laid and the race was on!
It’s a grey Saturday morning in August and we are in Tywyn for the 26th annual ‘Race the Train’. I’m entered in the ‘Quarry Challenge’, a 10k course that starts in the spectacular hills of the Snowdonia National Park and follows a winding trail alongside the railway line and back to the coast.
Having enjoyed a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we head down to Tywyn, leaving plenty of time to meet with the train. The provincial seaside town is swamped by incongruous runners dressed in ‘technical’ gear and bright colours. As the start time gets nearer they’re drawn to the station like bees to the honeypot. We can either catch the train 10km inland to the start, or catch a coach especially laid on for the race. It’s no contest and I’ve got the rail tickets in my sweaty mitt.
The first trainload of runners departs with a toot and clouds of steam from our Thomas the Tank Engine look alike. We are packed in nervous and excited, four abreast squeezed onto each wooden bench seat facing another row of runners. We drop the windows or wave from open sided carriages to those left on the platform, as if we’re heading off to war.
The train makes its unhurried way inland through the hills that are growing either side of us. The atmosphere is different from other races. We’re here to race the train and ourselves, not each other. It’s the first time for many of those on board and they peer out the windows to get a glimpse of the course or listen in to other conversations trying to get some insights into the impending race. We pass through cuttings, under bridges, several stations, across a shaded ravine and pass a waterfall. Finally, we arrive at an unremarkable opening in the trees and the train draws to a halt. It’s an unassuming sidings, but as runners open the wooden doors and drop down a couple of foot to the sleepers, everyone realises this is it.
There is a steep gravel track that crosses the railway line, and we follow the other runners downhill and through a gateway. The field is almost a kilometre long and slopes steeply up to our right, back towards the train. There’s a natural ridge about 400m into the field, an old wall or hedge line, which will act as the start line. The girls queue for the port–a–loos, the boys dash off to remote hedges. We mill about in the light drizzle and blustery weather, warming up or simply try to stay warm.
We’re in the middle of a field, in the middle of nowhere, here to test our metal against iron, coal and steam. The tension builds until we’re herded into a line and then hear the distant toot as the train starts.
We’re off! I’m on the far left, uphill point of the start line and the camber helps me keep a reasonable position in the dash across the field, to the gate. We turn left and face the climb back up the track to the top of the first hill. It’s nasty! We climb 80 vertical meters. The pace is slow and everybody is hurting at the crest. (1km split, 05:40)
The climb from the start.
We turn sharp right off the track, plunging back down until we hit the fence–line by the railway. It’s a very narrow track. A slippery downhill with slates and tree roots sticking out the ground waiting to fell the unwary runner. With gravity on my side, I bound down the path, zig–zagging from one clear foothold to another.
The terrain opens up, and I can see the train stopped in Dolgoch Station across to our right. I’ve got ahead! Still descending, we cross a stream then I’m into soft, boggy ground which holds longingly onto my shoes. I’ve been here before and my Mudrocs are laced tight to my feet. We’re back onto the track and dropping down into a shady ravine, where, with a bit more time, you could view Dolgoch Falls. It’s sharp right and we’re alongside a river, the viaduct carrying the train looms high overhead. Turn left, across a narrow iron footbridge then we start the hard climb up uneven limestone steps out of the gorge.
Legs weak, lungs searing, we’re back into boggy ground. Across another stream then descending another woodland trail alongside the railway line. (2km split, 05:31)
We’re into open fields climbing again and against a headwind. It’s an awkward angle with my left leg higher than my right, best suited to a mountain goat, and my feet are trying to twist themselves out of my shoes. Has the train got past? Is it ahead? The resident sheep look on curiously! (3km split, 04:42)
The runners viewed from the train.
We crest the hill then there’s a kilometre of open fields as we gently drop towards Brynglas station. I’ve heard the train ‘toot’, so it’s already in the station. (4km split, 04:49)
We come down through a farmyard and our first water point, then out across more fields to labour against the headwind and another climb. (5km split, 04:54)
We drop through somebody’s garden. Nice people, as they’re there to cheer us on. We follow an unmetalled track through a ford. I splash through the stream, hoping that the bottom is safe and level. We’re onto a tarmaced lane, high hedges either side protecting us from the wind. A gentle descent. Life is good! (6km split, 05:12)
Through a gateway. Now we’re back in open fields and alongside the railway track, slogging against the headwind. Where is the train? Is it behind me? (7km split, 04:33)
Me – the 4th runner!
I’m finding gusts of wind are sapping my strength and there is nobody big enough or fast enough to tuck in behind and use as a windbreak. (8km split, 05:09)
There’s another gateway, then up over a bridge leaving the railway beneath us. We’re through another farm, onto a lane, then turn left onto the main road. What a beautiful smooth surface the pavement is under my feet. I’m pushing on aware that the train is nearby and the finish is close. (9km split, 04:28)
Finally, we’re into the one–way system and the little back streets in Tywyn. Weaving between slate grey buildings. Crowds are cheering and I can see the finish line. A last incline and a last push. We’re there! 48:20 and I’ve beaten the train!
People pat me on the back and somebody takes the electronic tag off my ankle. I assume a casual saunter, and head down to the station to welcome my family off the train. “See you next year, train”.
For the full results of the Race the Train – Quarry Challenge you can click on the link: here ». The full results of the other Race the Train challenge events for 2009 and previous years are available on the Race the Train website.
Simon Leech