Race report by Rachel S:
6 Lostockers joined 435 runners on the platform at Bury Railway Station to Race the Train to Rawtenstall. This is a point to point race that starts to the sound of a whistle from the steam train at 10:53. Due to the start time it was 25° when the race started so we knew it would be a warm one!
This is a beautiful but tough race that follows the train track through trails, parks, streets and along the River Irwell. Covering 10 miles and 761 feet of elevation gain, the multi terrain makes this a steady course with runners taking the time it would usually take to complete a 1/2 marathon.
There second water station also had a welcome treat for sweaty runners. There were wet sponges that enabled us to remove the sweat from our eyes.
The highlight of the race is coming in to Rawtenstall train station. There is a flat fast finish along the finish line.
Rob Sharkey was the first Lostocker back in 1:25:24, comfortably beating the train. He was followed by Janet Rhodes in 1:32:36, who also beat the train and won her age category. Sadly there was just 1 hour 40 minutes to beat the train and the remaining Lostockers were not as lucky. Chris Baker just missed out finishing 1:43:46. Dan Wood (1:59:19), Rachel Stevens (2:05:00) and Rachel Walker (2:26:20) did not catch the train this time but throughly enjoyed the race.
