Steaming to the Coast
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Trail Running and Steam Trains
Steaming to the Coast is a trail running event that incorporates the West Somerset Railway, the longest standard gauge steam railway line in the UK. Participants begin their experience by registering and boarding a steam train at Minehead Station. The train travels through the West Somerset countryside toward Bishops Lydeard, located at the foot of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The event offers three distinct distances:
- Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
- 11 miles
- 11 km
Marathon participants disembark the train at Bishops Lydeard to begin their journey back toward the coast. The route follows the ridgeline of the Quantock Hills before descending to Williton. From there, the course joins sections of the Steam Coast Trail and the England Coast Path.
Participants in the shorter events continue on the train to their respective starting points. The 11 mile run begins at Williton, while the 11 km run starts at Washford. All three routes conclude at Minehead Station, known as the gateway to Exmoor National Park. The event is open to participants aged 8 and over on the day of the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
