CHANNEL Events have launched their inaugural Steaming to the Coast Trail Run which sold out within one month of entries opening!
Over 300 runners took to the trails with most of them catching the West Somerset Railways Heritage Steam Train from Minehead to their start lines.
The Marathon runners were dropped off at Bishops Lydeard, the 11.5 mile runners at Williton and the 11k runners at Washford - all setting off to the unique sound of the trains steam whistle to make their way back to Minehead!
The majority of entrants chose to take on the scenic Marathon route over the main ridge line of the Quantock Hills, with 2/3 of the overall entrants being women!
The atmosphere at event HQ was amazing and the smiles as people crossed the finish line were a sight to see!
Reviews have been flooding in and have been overwhelming and the organisers have been delighted with the response.
This event was the brainchild of Dan Brice, Director of Channel Events who came up with the concept six years ago! Scott Weetch, a founding member of Running Forever Running Club had fully supported and encouraged Dan to take the leap to put this event on and in fact the event saw over 30 of their club members running the various distances!
Dan Brice said: “Very sadly, Scott passed away recently quite suddenly, so it seemed only right that the day was dedicated to his memory.
“The 300+ runners and countless spectators carried out a minutes clap to celebrate his life at each of the start lines. It was deeply moving, unforgettable and solidified the need to make this race an annual memorial race for Scott.
Brice explained a little bit more about Channel UK Events CIC, who are based at the Adventure Centre, Warren Road in Minehead.
“We are a Not For Profit, Community Interest Company organising outdoor events across the south west of England which was incorporated in 2018. Our aim is to run engaging and accessible lifestyle events that drive lifelong, self-led participation in physical activity in the outdoors.”
He went on: “We are single use plastic free and support the local community by employing local to the events small businesses wherever possible. Our events are about cool people doing awesome things in stunning locations! It’s not about the race but the immersion in our breathtaking outdoor spaces!”
Entries for the 2025 Steaming to the Coast trail run open at midday on 1st May 2024 and can be found by logging onto channelevents.eventrac.co.uk
Any enquiries regarding this and other similar events can be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0164 803 885.