All aboard! Beat the train is back

 

Race the Train is the modern version of Beat the Train which became a massive event for a decade, but its popularity led to its downfall with health and safety fears for runners along the Llanfair-Welshpool Road.

 

But Welshpool’s Rotary Club has resurrected the event as part of the Cycle Week which is surrounding the Tour of Britain Race on September 11. And rather than runners taking on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway’s 11.15am train, cyclists have the chance to race against the famous steam train instead.

 

A Rotary statement explained this morning:

 

“Those wishing to take part need to be at Welshpool Raven Square Station by 10.30am for checking in. The race order (line-up) will be lowest numbers first, so to be at the front book early! Riders must be at least 14 years old and if under 18 have their parents consent, have a roadworthy bike and a cycle helmet.”

 

The route will take cyclists from Raven Square up Golfa Bank, Cwm Lane, Castle Caereinion, Cwm Gola, Cyfronydd Crossroads, Cyfronydd Station, Eithinog Lane and ending in Llanfair Caereinion.

 

The route is approx 9.5 miles for the bikes and eight miles for the train. The train is scheduled to take 50 minutes.

 

Entry fee is £5 including drink, chocolate bar and a certificate.