Steaming to the Coast
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About the race
Steaming to the Coast is a trail running event on Saturday 17th April 2027, organised from Minehead, Somerset. All entrants board a steam train from Minehead and travel along the heritage West Somerset Railway to Bishops Lydeard; the train transfer to the start lines is included in the entry fee.
Entrants choose one of three distances:
- 11 km starting at Washford
- 11.5 miles starting at Williton
- Marathon (26.2 miles) starting at Bishops Lydeard
The marathon route runs along the Quantock Hills main ridgeline and then follows sections of the Steam Coast Trail and the England Coast Path before returning to Minehead. All distances finish outside Minehead Station. The course is fully waymarked and electronically timed using K2 sports timing. Route maps and GPX files will be available before the event.
Safety and logistics include multiple marshal points, checkpoints, radio marshals, and medical cover from Apex Medical and Rescue with support from Exmoor Search and Rescue. Aid stations provide water and snacks: four on the marathon, two on the 11.5 mile, and one on the 11 km; participants should also carry their own water and a reusable drinking vessel because the event operates cupless checkpoints. Toilets are available on the train and at station start points. Finishers medals are offered as an optional extra and bag drop is provided on the train. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
