Have you got enough puff to beat a steam train in a race? That's the question posed by Matlock AC at their Runner V Steam event which this year will take place on 1 April - Easter Monday!

Runners are challenged to beat the steam train from Peak Rail Rowsley South station to Matlock Riverside station and back covering a distance of 7 miles in the process.

The scenic course will see the runners racing on the White Peak Loop extension of the Monsal Trail, which runs from Rowsley to Matlock The close proximity of the Peak Rail track to the trail will give supporters on the train a number of photograph opportunities and be able to cheer support as they pass.

The course is almost exclusively off-road apart from a small section heading in to Matlock and provides excellent walking and cycling opportunities for supporters who wish to be more active in following the race.

The  Peak Rail 7 special service train will be reserved exclusively for runners supporters and will take approximately 53 minutes to travel the return journey from Rowsley to Matlock, which includes stops in both directions at Darley Dale station together with a longer stop at the halfway point in Matlock.

Organisers say: "The event provides runners with an exciting cat and mouse race, usually being overtaken by the train shortly after the start, but with runners passing the train at the station stops before being overtaken again as the train steams by with supporters on board."

Supporters train tickets are discounted for our special charter service. For those in need of post-race refuelling refreshments can be purchased from the Northwood Buffet at Rowsley South station where there is also ample free car parking.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Matlock AC website.

Image: Matlock AC Facebook