A “QUIRKY” ‘Race the Train’ event between a steam engine and paddleboarders had a nail-biting finish.

Six paddleboarders and a kayaker took on the challenge of racing Bala Lake Railway’s Holy War engine in a battle of flesh and metal on Llyn Tegid on Saturday.

The race the train event is in its fourth year and the wetsuit-clad competitors were determined to beat the train after it won the event in 2017.

Staring at the Llanuwchllyn end of the lake, the train and paddleboarders fight it out over four miles to be crowned the victor.

Cheered on by a train load of well wishers, the kayaker and boarders, stayed neck and neck over the length of Wales’ largest natural lake.

Paddleboarder James Price managed to eke out a lead over fellow competitor Glyn Smith over the last few feet and then crossed the line as the steam engine arrived.

The race took approximately 24 minutes, with the train stopping at two stations en route.

The result was too close to call so a draw was announced.

Bala Lake Railway manager David Jones thoroughly enjoyed the day.

“It was an excellent race, everyone who was there enjoyed,” he said.

“It’s the fourth time we’ve run this event in collaboration with Green Dragon Activities- it’s quirky, there’s no other event like this one. We hope everyone enjoyed.”