2025 - Chase The Train

Date: 02/11/2025

Location: Aylsham, Norfolk

Website: link

Time: 10:30am
Field size: 220

ENTRIES OPEN 26TH MAY 2025

COURSE DETAILS:
Distance: 8.9 mile
Terrain: Multi-terrain

EVENT LOCATION:
Address: Aylsham Bure Valley Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham NR11 6BW
Map view: Google Maps

CONTACT ORGANISER:
Website: https://www.northnorfolkbeachrunners.com/chase-the-train

Organised by the North Norfolk Beach Runners, Chase the Train is a scenic and flat 8.9 mile trail run following the Bure Valley Railway path between Aylsham and Wroxham.  It is very popular, and sells out in hours, so keep an eye out when the tickets go on sale.  Great for spectators to watch you along the route and intermediate stations.

 

The event starts from Aylsham Bure Valley Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham NR11 6BW, following the train line to Wroxham Station, Belaugh Rd, Hoveton NR12 8UU, through pretty countryside. The route is along footpaths although some of these are uneven and roots and low hanging branches can represent hazards.

 

Parking

There is limited parking at Aylsham, if possible please try and share lifts. We would ask you to park with regard to other visitors to the station. If required, there is parking available in Aylsham. Additional parking is available at The Buttlands, Mill Road, Burgh Rd (free parking, 11 Burgh Road and Aylsham Rec Ground, Sir Williams Lane. All these car parks are a short walk to the start.

 

Bag Drop

This is a linear route (A to B), the Train you will be chasing will depart Aylsham at 10.20, you are invited to use this train to transport your race day bag to Wroxham, NNBR cannot accept any liability for your bag, so please only include essential items. Your bag will be taken from the train at Wroxham and will be available for your collection from the front of the station, ready for your return trip to Aylsham. PLEASE NOTE THESE TRAINS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITORS ONLY. If you miss this “special” train you will be able to use the next scheduled train.

 

Race Numbers

Each competitor will receive their bib number via email from Sublime Timing and you will be required to bring this number with you on the day. On arrival, you will be directed to the registration desk where you will be asked for your number and issued with a corresponding bib.

 

You will be required to write your name, any medical conditions, emergency contact name and number on the back of your race bib.  Race numbers must be visible while racing. Please remember to bring safety pins to attach your race number. The race is chip timed with the chips incorporated into your race bib.

 

The Race

This will be a mass gun start. The route follows the train line and is a linear route of 9 (ish) miles. Approximately 1/4 of a mile after leaving Aylsham, competitors will be required to cross the main A140. We have secured TMO (traffic management) to ensure this is crossed safely, YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS, there is also a small road crossing (B road) at Belaugh, this will be manned by 2 marshals to ensure safety for all competitors and road users. The remainder of the course is on paths, which are open to cyclists and walkers, please respect their right to enjoy this route. There will be water stations at miles 3 & 6 miles.

 

Marshals

The race directors are grateful to all marshals who have given up their Sunday morning to ensure the race is both safe and enjoyable. They will be available at the start, finish and at regular spots along the route., they will be obvious and we ask that all competitors are respectful to them and follow all instructions given by them.

 

The Train Back

The Bure Valley Railway kindly allow us the run of their stations for much of the day and will be putting on a special train to get everyone back to Aylsham at 12:15. Please note that this train will have a maximum of 140 seats with no spaces.  It takes about 30 minutes to get back and the seats are not the largest, so if you have supporters with you, you may prefer that they meet you at Wroxham Station and take you home. Any late comers would be able to catch the 13:15 service train.



Facilities & Refreshments

Toilets are available at the start and finish, there are no toilets on the course. There is an excellent cafe at Aylsham serving a wide selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks. The cafe at Wroxham does not offer the same range so please ensure you pack and after race snack you may require.

 

Finish

Live results will be available as soon as you cross the line from Sublime Timing - Results and can be accessed from the QR code on the bibs. All competitors who finish the race will be issued with a medal. First aiders and water will be available at the end.

 

Medical Support

Qualified first aiders will be available on the course. If you find yourself in any difficulty please arrange to get a message to the nearest marshal who will arrange for the first aiders to attend to you. If a first aider advises you to withdraw from the race, we request that you follow their instructions. As with the marshals we request that you treat them with respect.

Entries are non-refundable and unfortunately cannot be deferred but transfers to another participant are available until midnight on 29/10/2025. Login to transfer your entry.