Trail Race
The full Runaway Train trail race is around 8½ miles long, has a total climb of 1200ft and includes open fields, grass trails, rough tracks and some tarmac footpath. There is also a less challenging 3 mile option with less climb and easier terrain.
The route will be clearly marked in flour and temporary signs and there will be marshals at major road crossings.
download a map of the routes here
Rugged 8½ mile Route
1. Uphill Out of Town
The race starts just outside Shepton Mallet and climbs up across open fields and a rough track into Windsor Hill Woods below the impressive Ham Wood viaduct.
2. Downhill to Croscombe
Helter-skelter down the Ham Woods valley all the way to Croscombe.
3. Uphill to Maesbury Castle
Follow an ancient grassy drove uphill all the way, from the lowest point at Croscombe, to the highest on top of Maesbury Castle.
4. Downhill Back to Town
Like a runaway train you are now downhill all the way back towards Shepton Mallet; over farmland and onto the newly cleared railway path.
5. Over, Through and Over
Over Ham Wood viaduct, through Windsor Hill tunnel and over Bath Road viaduct. From Barren Down the final steep descent takes you all the way into the market place.
Choice of Start Times
The rugged 8½ mile route has a choice of start times;10:30 for social joggers or 11:00 for the faster runners. Everyone is expected to finish in the market place from around 12 noon until 1 pm. Elapsed times will be published on this website after the event.
The route is likely to be muddy and stony in places and follows public footpaths and lanes. It is marked with flour along the route and especially at junctions. There will be marshals with first aid kits at two locations; in Croscombe and just below Maesbury Castle. There will not be any road closures in place.
Take care of uneven ground. Take care when crossing roads. Take care when passing livestock.
Easier 3 mile Route
1. Uphill out of town
The 3 mile race starts at the same location as the full route, just outside Shepton Mallet, crosses open fields and up a rough track into Windsor Hill Woods below the impressive Ham Wood viaduct.
2. Through the Woods
You climb up through Ham Woods and onto Ham Woods viaduct.
4. Over, Through and Over
Over Ham Wood viaduct, through Windsor Hill tunnel and over Bath Road viaduct. From Barren Down the final steep descent takes you all the way into the market place.
The 3 mile race starts at 11:15.