RW readers’ top three races, plus the bling thing
RACE THE TRAIN
A great choo-choo-choice
This quirky challenge seems simple enough but there’s a good chance you’re going to run out of steam before the finish.
You run up and down a Welsh mountain, trying to beat a steam train on the old Talyllyn Railway, over a distance of 14 miles [there is also a team event and a 10K option]. Even though the train (travelling at an average of eight minutes a mile) stops at various points to take on water, only about 10 per cent of the runners actually beat it, because of the super-hilly offroad route. It’s really tough but still amazing fun. Tywyn, Mid Wales, August 21, 2021, racethetrain.com
NIGHT OF THE 10K PBS
The need for speed. And beer
This is a track event put on by Highgate Harriers. Established in 2013, it features a series of races contested by speedy club runners on a Saturday (I was lucky enough to qualify a few years ago, when entry requirements were lower!). It culminates with elite athletes and Olympians lining up in the evening to take their turn, while flame throwers go off and the crowds cheer loudly as they enjoy beer, music and fireworks. London, June 2021 (date tbc), nightofthe10kpbs.com
EDINBURGH PARKRUN
Effortless inclusivity
Fair enough; as a parkrun, this is a run, not a race, but that’s not going stop me from listing it as one of my favourite UK ‘timed’ events. Parkrun has had an immeasurable impact on my running and this one means a lot because it’s where it all started for me. It’s a beautiful out-and-back run along the shoreline in Cramond, northwest of the city. Watch out for the wind: if you feel like Usain Bolt on the way out, you are in for a surprise on the way back! Cramond, Edinburgh, Saturdays at 9:30am, parkrun.org.uk/edinburgh