THOUSANDS of athletes and well wishers have expressed their concern that Tywyn’s Race the Train event is under threat.

The iconic event, estimated to inject £1m into Meirionnydd’s economy each year, attracts huge crowds to take part in an unusual cross-country race against a Talyllyn steam engine over 14 arduous miles.

This year the race will celebrate its 32nd anniversary but, as things currently stand, there is a strong possibility that the 2017 event next year will be the last. The primary reason that Race the Train’s future is shrouded in doubt is due to the “aging profile” of the Rotary Club of Tywyn who has organised the event since its conception.

Race organiser George Watson was pleased with the response but said: “We have also had lots of local social media interaction from within the local community since the story came out.

“Lots of people are suggesting that younger people need to come forward to help retain the event for the benefit of the local community and the good causes its supports.

“A couple of people have also come forward offering their help and assistance I’m pleased to say.”

A public meeting for anyone interested in the future of Race the Train will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 14 July at the Whitehall Hotel, Tywyn.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News