All modern sports can be perplexing to those who are not involved. How did cricket come to be? Or the sight of burly warriors huddled together, gripping each other tightly and engaging in a headlock before a pointy ball is introduced? It never fails to amaze me that a player, undoubtedly battered from similar battles, doesn’t break free and walk away, exclaiming, “I’m sorry, I can’t do this. It’s too bizarre.”
Behind all the peculiar customs of our favorite sports, such as offside rules and silly point systems, it’s clear that what we truly desire from sports is enjoyable physical activity and the opportunity to test ourselves against others. And if we can achieve this in a beautiful setting with the chance to relax at an excellent pub afterwards, then that’s even better. With that in mind, we present an alternative sports calendar: games and challenges that may initially seem unusual, but take place in stunning locations throughout Britain.
Five Exciting Options for the Fit and Adventurous…
1. Race the Train, Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn, Gwynedd (August 19)
This event combines the closely related sports of steam preservation and fell running. It has become a beloved tradition over the past 39 years. Participants and supporters alike can cheer on the runners while racing alongside them on Talyllyn’s historic carriages, pulled by one of the six esteemed steam locomotives. The 14-mile route follows the railway line from the Welsh coast at Tywyn to Abergynolwyn in the hills below Cader Idris. The scenic beauty of the course is unparalleled. The Talyllyn Railway was originally built to serve the Bryneglwys slate quarries but was given new life by author Tom Rolt and a team of volunteers, making it the world’s first heritage railway. Keep this inspiring tale in mind as you make your way towards the finish line. There are also shorter-distance events available, as well as a Toddlers Trot for the younger participants.
2. Coracle racing, Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire (August 19)
In this Welsh classic, the thrill of coracle racing begins with the construction of your own vessel, a task that requires a reasonable amount of effort (various courses are available for this purpose). Coracles were originally used for nimble waterwork in tending salmon nets in estuaries, and their maneuverability can be a double-edged sword in a racing context. Skilled racers deftly twist their paddles in a figure-of-eight motion, propelling their boat through the water. Beginners, on the other hand, often find themselves going in circles. Cilgerran, situated on the River Teifi, is a popular venue for this sport, though there are other locations as well. After the dizziness subsides, be sure to visit the Masons Arms (also known as the Rampin) in the village, or take a leisurely mile-long stroll to the Pen y Bryn Arms.
3. Bog snorkelling, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys (August 27)
When it comes to sporting innovation, Llanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales is the undisputed champion, and the highlight of all the unique events is bog snorkelling. This ultra-sport is only attempted by the most daring athletes and, some might say, a few crazy individuals. The challenge consists of swimming a 55-meter long trench in the Waen Rhydd bog without ever emerging from the water. Participants who succeed earn a place on the winners’ board at the Neuadd Arms pub, alongside renowned champions like Neil Rutter, the reigning world champion with a remarkable time of 1 minute and 18.82 seconds. It’s a feat that shines as brightly as a Bob Beamon long jump or a Usain Bolt sprint.
4. Ferret racing, South Downs Show, Hampshire (August 12-13)
I was captivated by ferret racing when I first witnessed it at a memorable Welsh country fair. These courageous little creatures may be the subject of many jokes, but I challenge anyone to coax a busy mustelid out of their trousers. Considered one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans, the ferret is a sociable and playful creature that inspires the same level of devotion some people feel for dogs. They are also incredibly fearless, especially when placed in a pipe and given the command to sprint as fast as possible, navigating obstacles along the way (the ferrets, not the owners). The Yorkshire Dales is the epicenter of this thrilling pastime, with the Craven Arms pub in Appletreewick hosting a championship each February. However, keep an eye out for races held at agricultural summer shows, including the South Downs event in August, where you’ll discover an array of soon-to-be-famous sports like jelly racing, wood chopping, and Cumbrian wrestling.
5. Coast to Coast race, Great Glen (September 9-10)
This challenging triathlon with a twist takes participants on a breathtaking trans-Caledonian journey. It begins with a 78-mile bike ride, followed by a 21-mile run, and culminates in a 1-mile kayak “sprint.” Along the way, participants get to marvel at the incredible sights of Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal, and Cawdor Castle. The course is a true test of physical endurance, and while it typically takes two days for most competitors to complete, the winners usually finish in an impressive eight to 14 hours, depending on the conditions.
And five events to prepare for…
1. Ice-water swimming, Loch Tay, Perthshire (Late February/Early March)
Start your training in the balmy waters of summer, gradually acclimating to increasingly colder temperatures. Ice-water swimming has gained recognition in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of Dutch evangelist Wim Hof. While not a sport for everyone, there are plenty of rewards for those with a puritan inclination, including indulging in luxuries like hot tubs, saunas, shots, and even thrashings with birch twigs. Once you become hooked, you won’t want to miss the Scottish Winter Swimming Championships, held on the shores of Loch Tay, conveniently located near the Aberfeldy whisky distillery and some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes. The rising popularity of cold-water dips has breathed new life into lidos across the country, and there are now numerous outdoor events to enjoy, such as the Windermere long-distance race and classics like the Bantham Swoosh, a thrilling 6km race in the Avon River that carries participants toward the Sloop Inn, a charming 14th-century pub.
2. Man v Horse Race, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys (Early June)
As you make your way up the green hill, there it is, the last of many hills, and you catch up with a horse and rider. The horse’s tail is adorned with a red ribbon, a sign that it may kick. To avoid any mishaps, you divert into the bracken and push yourself harder to overtake. Later, on the flat terrain, the horse and rider catch up to you, and you strike up a conversation. Does the horse enjoy this grueling 22-mile endurance race across the Welsh mountains? “I don’t think she would do it if she didn’t enjoy it,” says the rider. “But this year, it’s particularly challenging. I believe the humans may have the upper hand.” And indeed, they did.
Llanwrtyd Wells may not be featured on Match of the Day or during Test Match Special, but it is a hub of new and exciting sporting challenges in what Screaming Lord Sutch once referred to as “the belly button of Wales.” The Man v Horse Race begins at the Neuadd Arms Hotel and finishes in a nearby location, with the route changing each year. It is an incredibly tough competition, although some participants claim that the after-party is even more grueling, especially with the customary tradition of indulging in the local delicacy: cheese and jam sandwiches. One of the remarkable aspects of this event is the coming together of diverse social groups, including equestrians, serious fell runners, fun runners, beer enthusiasts, musicians, dog walkers, and more. The camaraderie and friendliness exhibited remind us why sports truly bring people together.
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