Race the Train 14M Rotary Challenge: 16 August 2008

 Men and women:  Separate Other races:   

All runners

Pos arrow Name arrow Time arrow Cat arrow Club arrow Pace arrow
1 1 Mark Braley 1:33:31 V35 Serpentine 6:41
2 2 Andrew Hibbert 1:38:06 SM Serpentine 7:00
3 3 Michael Krautzberger 1:41:30 V35 Serpentine 7:15
4 4 Darren Over 2:10:19 V35 Serpentine 9:18

Race conditions

Mild, breezy, dry apart from one heavy shower, damp underfoot when off-road.

Report

There have been extensive descriptions of this annual event in previous years' Results listings (and in Serpentimes) , under the title of either 'Race the Train' or 'Talyllyn Race the Train'.

A select and successful team of Serpies was back for more of the pleasure and pain of this true multi-terrain race in 2008. Out of over 70 clubs that had at least three finishers, we moved up to 7th team position, from 10th in 2007, pipping last year's winners Stourbridge RC in the process. Kenilworth Runners won, after coming 2nd a year ago.

No two years are the same on this course. Apart from weather that can range from scorching to torrential rain, fields that may or may not be ploughed, and gates that may be shut or open, the route can also change by varying degrees. This, the 25th year of the race, was celebrated by a slightly shorter and faster route in the last 1½ miles, and was blessed by some of the better running conditions of recent years.

Mark Braley took advantage of this to consolidate his position as the first and fastest Serpie in recent years (or ever?) to beat the train, coming in 21st out of 822 finishers, with over 14 minutes in hand. Andrew Hibbert, on his first RTT outing, joined the distinguished few train-beating Serpies, as did Michael Krautzberger, at his second attempt. Darren Over meanwhile took his place among the majority of participants who enjoy the personal challenge and competition with those around them, without worrying that a steam engine might just get the better of them.

Sadly we didn't spot any Serpie ladies running this year.

Adrian Lloyd

Result queries

If you have any queries about these results please email results@serpentine.org.uk