Wacky races: weird, wild and wonderful events in Wales

No equipment needed – just you, your trail running trainers and a hunger to beat the historic Talyllyn Railway steam hauled train. The Tywyn Rotary Club was the first to hold an annual Race the Train event each August, alongside the train on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. The terrain for runners varies throughout the course, and includes a mixture of public roads, lanes, mountainside tracks, agricultural land and rough grazing pastures; so prepare to get wet and muddy. There are several races to chose from, from the Toddler's Trot, 5k, 10k and the big one - the 14 mile Rotary Challenge race. 

Ask your family and friends to book to travel on the train - the course is so close to the railway line they will be able to shout out encouragement from the window (or anything else!). Back in Tywyn, the race field and town has loads going on during the daytime to keep the family amused. 

The Talyllyn Railway was the first railway to be rescued by a preservation society and is now one of the Great Little Trains of Wales - perfect for a family day out after the event if you want to show off your achievements.

Part of the Fairbourne Festival, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, take the challenge of the Fairbourne Annual Race the Train to the Point. Fancy dress is welcomed - check their Facebook page for this year's theme!

There's a range of Green Events that take place across the year in Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, including the World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing Championships and the Real Ale Wobble.

Like all the best ideas, this one started over a pint in a pub. Back in 1980, the then landlord of the Neuadd Arms Hotel overheard two customers debating whether men or horses would fare better running over the local mountainous terrain - and the Man vs Horse race was born. 

The race starts from Llanwrtyd Wells town centre and winds its way through the incredible scenery of the Cambrian Mountains, with steep inclines, mud and water crossings making the race even more of a challenge. Not just for men, there are categories for female runners and trophies for horse and rider entrants too. 

It took 25 years for a runner to finally beat all the horses, and it has only been achieved twice in the race’s over 40-year history. As an incentive, there’s an annually increasing cash prize for the next hardy runner who does it.

For a muddy race with a Welsh twist; head to Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys for the World Bogsnorkelling Championships in August. Contestants don a snorkel and flippers and take to the Waen Rhydd bog on the outskirts of the town to swim lengths through a peat bog trench. Fancy dress is encouraged; and peaty participants must get through the race without using traditional swimming strokes.

The event has become so popular Lonely Planet described it as one of the 50 must-do events in the world. The weekend’s festivities also include the Chapel Boglathon, with a mile cross country run, a two mile mountain bike ride and 60 yards of bogsnorkelling.

Originating in Sweden in 2002, Swimrun has gathered significant pace in the past few years. In 2014 the event was only held in Sweden, now more than 20 nations including Wales fly the Swim Run Flag.

The Wales Swimrun takes place in July, in Pembrokeshire. Starting on the cliff tops above Freshwater East, the race will move east taking in Manorbier, Lydstep, Tenby, Wisemans' Bridge, and end in Saundersfoot. In total, competitors will run 22km of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast Path and swim 7km to complete the race. 

If you’re going to throw yourself in the sea, you may as well make it this sea. The annual Wales Swim takes place in June; when the Pembrokeshire coast is at its sparkling, freshest and finest. 

The race is open to all who feel able and is made up of two events - a 1.2 mile and a 2.4 mile swim starting on North Beach, Tenby. An exhilarating event, with Tenby’s iconic harbour as a colourful backdrop, you won’t be short of places to have a celebratory bite to eat or drink after the race, with a host of cafes, pubs and restaurants right on the shore.

Regarded as one of the toughest events of its kind, IRONMAN Wales more than makes up for its brutal nature with some of the best scenery in the world to distract its tough participants. Taking in a two-lap swim from North Beach Tenby out into Carmarthen Bay, followed by a bike course through the scenic countryside of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the running leg ends the race through the medieval walled town.

The winner of a host of awards in 2017, including Best Host City Experience and Best Race Venue, IRONMAN Wales is a bucket-list experience for any keen athlete. 

How does a mega challenging mountain race covering 236 miles (380km) with over 10 miles (16,400m) of ascent sound? The Dragon’s Back of Wales in September is a tough challenge, with competitors trail running all the way from Conwy to Cardiff in six intense days. This ultra race also has a shorter version -  The Hatchling - if you fancy a taster of this amazing experience.

The UK's biggest off-road cycle race, Battle on the Beach, takes place in Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire. Open to all bikes, cyclists race across the beautiful Cefn Sidan beach. There are various categories, including youth (14 - 17) and Supreme Veteran (70+) plus a Battle in the Dark. 

Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races features two days of non-stop vintage car racing action along this world-famous beach. The event is free to spectators with no pass required. Pop into the Museum of Land Speed while you're there, and discover more about the racing legends who have broken world records here.