Kenilworth quartet ahead of the train

The 13 who took part in the races once again enjoyed one of the most challenging multi-terrain races on the calendar with the unique allure of attempting to beat the iconic steam engine home.

Race the Train takes place alongside, as far as practicable, the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back.

The races use a mixture of public roads, lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures.

Both races feature dramatic elevation changes and uneven terrain as runners try their hardest to beat the train back to its destination within the set time.

With one of the wettest summers on record, the going underfoot on much of the course was typically muddy despite race day itself turning out to be warm and dry.

The exact route of the Rotary Challenge varies from year to year, but is typically around 14 miles long.

Despite nursing an injury, Phil Gould was the first Kenilworth Runner to finish the Rotary Challenge, claiming 13th position overall in a time of 1hr 34min 50sec.

Martin Dorrill had a great race to finish 27th, with his time of 1:38:25 just half a minute slower than in 2011, yet good for an improvement of 37 places.

A typically solid run from Richard Steel saw him beat the train and finish 76th overall.

Race the Train veteran Mick Williams showed experienced pacing as he came home in 100th position and more importantly beat the train by 13 seconds.

Behind the train, Sara Habib was the first of three Kenilworth ladies to complete the Rotary Challenge, running a fine race to finish in 2:03:19.

Jayne Mumford was not far behind in 2:05:13 and Lisa Sears ran with Rod Goodwin to finish in 2:31:14.

Two members of Kenilworth Runners took part in the 10k Quarry Challenge, which utilises the more challenging second part of the Rotary Challenge, taking place on the morning of the main race.

Mandy Crust ran well to finish 213th in 1:08:35, while Laura Gould came home in 1:13:32.

Rotary Challenge: 13, Phil Gould (1:34:50); 27, Martin Dorrill (1:38:25); 76, Richard Steel (1:45:19); 100, Mick Williams (1:48:09); 203, Stan Alexander (1:55:16); 318, Sara Habib (2:03:19); 324, Mark Hall (2:03:49); 350, Jayne Mumford (2:05:13); 636, Lisa Sears (2:31:14); 637, Rod Goodwin (2:31:15); 639, Ray Wilson (2:31:48).

Quarry Challenge: 213, Mandy Crust (1:08:35); 240, Laura Gould (1:13:32).

Matthew Kingston-Lee took part in Saturday’s Coventry parkrun, which moved for one week from the War Memorial Park to Allesley Park.

On a hilly course and feeling somewhat longer than the claimed 5k distance, Kingston-Lee finished second in a personal parkrun worst of 19:20.

Leamington triathlete Peter Hawkins warmed up for his forthcoming World Championship appearance - see story left - with first place at last Saturday’s Leamington parkrun.

In his fourth appearance a the event, Hawkins came home in 17:13 to beat Stratford’s Joshua Newman by almost two minutes.

Leamington parkrun (Kenilworth Runners unless stated): 1, Peter Hawkins (unattached 17:13); 2, Joshua Newman (Stratford AC, 19:08); 3, Simon Shepherd (Leamington C&AC, 19:09); 6, Alex Atkinson (19:38); 11, Monica Williamson (20:23); 12, Clive Pearce (20:36); 18, Dave Ramus (20:54); 25, Dawn Compton (Stratford AC, 21:19); 26, Jennie Spillane (Spa Striders, 21:24); 35, David Pettifer (22:07); 41, Martin Belcher (22:28); 43, Barry Elkington (22:35); 62, Gary Dilnot (23:41); 89, Stef Shillington (25:18); 106, Frank Walsh (27:08).