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 that uses a heritage steam train to transfer entrants to their start points on the West Somerset Railway. All races finish outside Minehead Station.
Distances offered:
- 11 km
- 11.5 miles
- Marathon (26.2 miles)
All entrants board the steam train in Minehead and travel to Bishops Lydeard. Marathon runners disembark there to run back to Minehead via the Quantock Hills ridgeline, then down through Williton and Washford, following sections of the Steam Coast Trail and the England Coast Path. Shorter-distance runners remain on the train to travel to their chosen start points in Williton or Washford before running back to Minehead.
The course is fully waymarked with orange arrows and small marker flags. Accurate timing is provided and bib numbers must be worn visibly on the front. There are multiple marshal points and checkpoints; medical cover is provided and Exmoor Search and Rescue will support the medical team. Radio communications will operate between marshal points and HQ.
Aid stations:
- Four on the marathon, two on the 11.5 mile route, one on the 11 km route
- Locations include Lydeard Hill, Williton, Washford and Dunster Beach
The event is cupless; entrants must carry their own reusable drinking vessel. Entry fees include the steam train transfer and finishers medals are available as an optional extra. Route GPX files and maps are published on the downloads page shortly before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
