More than 1,800 runners from all over the world took part in the 31st annual Race the Train challenge in Tywyn, cheered on by thousands of spectators. Organised by the Rotary Club of Tywyn since 1984, participants run alongside the Talyllyn railway line trying to beat the train along a route of either 10 kilometres, five miles, three miles or the Rotary Challenge of 14 miles.
The event is a must for all multi terrain runners and many return year after year to try and beat their time or beat the train or both. The challenge raises thousands of pounds for Tywyn Rotary Club which distributes it to good causes. This year’s official race charity is Action for Children and money raised will also be donated to local good causes such as schools and sports clubs, Rotary’s campaign to end polio and ShelterBox, which provides survival kits to people in disaster relief zones.
Lawrence Garvey of Tywyn Rotary Club said: “There were 1,500 runners who registered to take part and another 300 turned up on the day, so it was a fantastic turnout. The money is still being counted, but we are hoping to raise around £16,000 for local and international good causes.”
Since it began, Race the Train has raised over £300k for charity and is worth an estimated £1m to the local economy. It is Tywyn’s biggest event and the whole town turns out to help and watch, including over 200 volunteers. It has been supported by the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle since 1998, when one of its members stumbled upon the event by chance.
