More than 430 runners took part in the return of the Race the Train event after a two-year Covid-enforced break.

The popular annual event, which up until 2019 had taken place annually every August Bank Holiday for 36 years, was once again held at Talyllyn Railway, organised by Tywyn Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club website describes this event as ‘a must for all multi-terrain runners’ and adds that ‘many competitors return regularly to try and better their performance or just beat that train while others have run nearly every year since the races started’.

In addition to the main race, the Rotary Challenge, a 14-mile route up and down the valley, alongside the railway, and open to all over the age of 17, there are a further three shorter races.

These all have minimum ages according to the length but are open to older runners who do not wish to compete over the full 14 miles.

The Quarry Challenge is for those 15 years and up (10km), the Dolgoch Challenge for 10-year-old and up (just over 8km) and the Tynllwyn Hen Challenge for those aged nine and up (just over 5km). There is also a Toddlers Trot for those up to nine years (including babies who may be carried) and run over the final part of the course and ending at the full course finishing line.

The Talyllyn Railway puts on a special train for the race, carrying spectators for the main event while also providing rail transport for those participating in the shorter races which begin at intermediate stations further up the line.

On this year’s event over 980 travelled on the special trains and the Rotary Club recorded 437 runners who completed the full 14-mile event, beginning at Tywyn Wharf and returning from Abergynolwyn.

The first runner home completed the course in a little under 1 hour and 30 minutes.

You can see the full results on the Rotary Club ‘Race the Train’ website.

Race director Malcolm said of the event, which was held on Saturday, 20 August: “It was good be able to resurrect our unique race after a two-year absence.

“The course was probably in the best condition it has ever been in with the potential for some good times. Although it was a beautiful day the headwind was pretty strong making it tough going.

“Even so the first runner, Sullivan Smith, crossed the line in 1 hour, 29 minutes and 27 seconds while all three of our lady runners crossed the line before the train. Ellie Haf was the first to finish, in 1 hour, 47 minutes and 10 seconds. The train, which was right on time, ‘crossed the line’ in 1 hour and 48 minutes.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of our local farmers whose land the race runs across. Our thanks go to them.

“We should not forget the volunteers who marshal and do a myriad of other things. We thank them too.

“Although not all the bills are in, the club will be fortunate if the race makes much, if any, money this year. As you may know the proceeds from this race and any other of our club’s benevolent efforts goes directly to charity. We try to focus on local charities and youth groups, but this effort will be severely curtailed this year.”

The day ended as usual, with a social gathering under a marquee in the nearby school grounds, with refreshments and live music.

This popular event is now firmly back on the calendar of the railway and the 38th Race the Train event will take place next year on Saturday, 19 August.

The Rotary Club website is already open for the opportunity of booking a place on next year’s event.