A friend asked me if I wanted to do this race, it sounded like a challenge so said yes. Before you know it, about 6 of us were running it! The idea is to beat the train back from its journey from Grosmont to Goathland, and back. I set off early from Leeds as the event is near Whitby, York races was on, there was an event in Pickering, and the weather was stunning! Luckily, the traffic was quite light. I arrived in Grosmont with my friend Keith about 3 hours before the start of the race. We parked up and then went for a walk, hunting out the start line. Plenty of photos were taken as it is one of the most scenic places I have been for a race. Cold drinks were bought as I have already mentioned, the weather was hot! Not a cloud was to be seen and the temperature was recording 29 degrees on my phone!! As time passed, we made our way to the start line. It was about a 15 minute walk from the village centre so allow yourself some time. 14:00 came, and the train set off, as it passed us, we all set off. The first couple of KM's was steady and eased you into the race. After this, it was what can only be described as a fell race. The hills were steep, the hills were high, but my word was it stunning - and hot. It became obvious that I was never going to beat the train so I took my time and enjoyed the surroundings. Running back into Grosmont, I was met by the rest of my friends who were trying to find some shade. I was presented with my melted Kit Kat, warm bottle of beer, and my medal. I'm not a fell runner, (or trail runner), but this race was fantastic and one I would definitely do again. I'm not sure it would be so much fun in the rain and wind, but we can't control the weather. A good laugh was had by all and the beer was enjoyed later that evening once chilled. 

...I could just leave my review at that as I don't really need to say any more, but i will.

It was such a great day out in the North Yorkshire Moors running through some of the most beautiful countryside along an old heritage steam railway.

The route itself is hard - REALLY hard. No, wait... in fact it's REALLY REALLY REALLY hard. But what's the fun in only doing easy flat road 10ks and half marathons when there's a super fun and friendly race like this to get your teeth sunk in to. I've not known a race with so much brutal up-hill climbing (although I should point out that this was my first off-road trail race). The downhills seemed to pass by in a flash, whereas the hills were never ending - in one place it was just a very steep staircase to tackle (or walk). The terrain was generally manageable throughout, but i was very glad to be wearing trail shoes. I don't think road shoes would have worked well on the steeper sections.

It was a blisteringly hot day (2pm race start time), and the route had little shade in the middle section over the moors. There were two water stations on route which were very welcomed, with further water at the end.

The marshalling and route signage was very clear. There was a high-vis wearing marshal at every junction, twist and turn, and they were all cheering us on. A big thank you to you all! There was also various first aiders on the route which is comforting to see, especially in the hot conditions.

The idea of the race is to beat the train back to the station, taking 1hr 20mins. I think maybe this could be expended slightly to allow a few more people a chance of beating the train. It's a fantastic concept for a race (although not original, I know). You should definitely do a race like this if you get the chance to!

The event village was well organised, with a small beer tent too! A beer was definitely needed after that race.

Assuming this race happens again next year, it'll be firmly written in my dairy as one to do again.

This course is brutal, you cannot put it any other way. Just when you think the climbs cannot get any harder - they do. You are rewarded with some fantastic views though and a regular glimpse of the train as toots its way through the moors keeps your spirits high. On the day the crowds were fantastic and very supportive. Nice medal at the end and bottle of beer brewed in Whitby. 

If you're wanting a unique race set in beautiful countryside, with great support and atmosphere than this is the race for you.

A trail run set in the hilly yorkshire area around Grosmont, although the setting is beautiful, it is very hilly.

As the steam train passes the start line, the runners set off on the 8.4 mile trail run from Grosmont to Goathland and back. 1 hour 20 mins to beat the train!

With the blistering sun and heat, the course was made even harder but the support along the route from family, public and marshalls was superb. 

The water stations along the route were very welcoming and with visible medical cover on show, although very rural, the well sign posted and marshalled course felt very safe.

The support and atmosphere from supporters, marshallls and fellow runners was excellent throughout.

A quality unique medal, water, beer and chocolate at the finish rounded off a great run on a brutal course in blistering heat. Although I didn't beat the train back, I still finished with a smile on my face and some great memories, which is what it's all about.

The hardest run I've done, but one of my favourite and most memorable.