The UK’s leading member led epilepsy charity Epilepsy Action still has guaranteed places available in this year’s Race the Train, held in Tywyn, Wales, on Saturday, August 16 2008.
Race the Train is a unique event organised by Tywyn Rotary Club. Competitors have to run a 14 and three-quarter mile race, alongside a train leaving Tywyn station at the same time as the runners. The aim of the multi-terrain race is to beat the famous Talyllyn Railway train on its journey through the Welsh countryside.
Mark Cordiner- Barton, who ran Race the Train for Epilepsy Action last year said: “Although it is a small event, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing. A lot of the runners go down to Tywyn the evening before the race so there is a big social aspect to the event too.”
He continued: “A lot of the smaller running events are just about what place you achieve or getting a personal best but this event, you are literally racing a train - it’s crazy! Although a lot of runners know they are never going to beat the train, it is so much fun and everyone supports each other so much.”
This is an event for all the family. As well as the main race, there is a ten-kilometre race, “The Quarry Challenge”, “The Tots Run” for children, and a race for teenagers. Tywyn is a fantastic seaside location with an array of attractions and activities to keep everybody happy! Whichever race you decide to enter, tickets are available for family and friends to ride the train and encourage the runners as they steam past.
Melanie Taylor, events fundraiser at Epilepsy Action said: “There is no minimum sponsorship pledge, we just ask for you to cover the £18 cost for you to enter the race and then raise as much as you can! We will be happy to supply you with a runner's pack, including a FREE running vest, training plan, sponsorship forms and lots of fundraising advice, as well as your own personalised mug! This event is a great day out and a chance to raise money for a great cause too!”
Race the Train has been televised worldwide on several occasions and has attracted runners from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, America, Hong Kong and Africa.
The remaining places are in aid of Epilepsy Action, a registered charity that helps over 731,000 people every year through its advice and information services. Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects people of all ages and walks of life. One in every 131 people in the UK has epilepsy.
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