Rotary Challenge 2026 Entry, Date & Race Info

The Race The Train Rotary Challenge is a well-known multi-terrain race held in Tywyn on the west coast of Wales. The event forms part of the wider Race The Train festival and challenges runners to compete against the historic Talyllyn Railway steam train across a scenic route through the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park).

The Rotary Challenge is the flagship distance of the event and combines road, trail, forestry tracks, and steep climbs across the hills surrounding Tywyn. Runners can expect a demanding course featuring significant elevation gain, technical terrain in places, and panoramic views across the Welsh coastline and countryside. The race atmosphere is heavily shaped by the unique concept of competing against a moving steam train, giving the event a distinctive identity within the UK running calendar.

Race The Train has developed a strong reputation among trail and endurance runners, attracting participants from across the UK looking for a memorable and unusual race experience. The combination of challenging terrain, scenic landscapes, and the historic railway setting has helped establish the Rotary Challenge as one of Wales’ best-known destination running events.