Steaming Down The Valley

A scenic riverside trail route through the Severn Valley, following the River Severn and running alongside the Severn Valley Railway.

Expect grassy paths, woodland sections and natural undulations throughout. The 10K crosses the river at Arley on the footbridge before returning on the opposite bank, while the 5K follows a fast downstream route to Arley, with the finish at the iconic railway station.

A beautiful but honest trail course – not flat, but hugely rewarding.

When you enter Steaming Down The Valley, you’re signing up for a memorable race experience from start to finish.

Before race day, you’ll receive clear pre-event communications with all the key details you need – including parking, timings and course information.

On the day, you can expect a friendly event village atmosphere at Severn Valley Country Park, with registration, facilities and a fully marshalled course to guide you throughout.

All races are chip timed, with accurate results and finish times provided. Every finisher will receive a bespoke medal to mark the occasion.

The 5K entry also includes a unique return journey on the Severn Valley Railway steam train from Arley back to the start.

• Bespoke finishers' medal
• Chip timing
• Fully marshalled route
• Free race photography
• Return steam train ticket (5k only)

The 5K is a scenic, mixed-terrain trail run following the River Severn downstream from Country Park Halt to Arley station. Expect grassy riverside paths, woodland sections and a few natural challenges along the way. Your reward at the finish? A steam-train ride back to the start (included in your entry).

Chase the train downstream, starting alongside it in a plume of steam and a blast of the whistle at Country Park Halt. From the off, you’ll follow public right of way paths beside the river, running downstream through the Severn Valley towards Arley. The challenge is simple - reach the finish before the whistle sounds at Arley.

The 5K race takes place on Saturday 6 June 2026 and is scheduled around the Severn Valley Railway steam service to create a signature, race the train experience.
All runners will need to be at the starting area for 11am. The race is planned to start at approximately 11:15am, set off by the sound of the whistle as the Severn Valley Railway steam train departs Country Park Halt. Runners will head downstream alongside the river and railway towards Arley, with the train travelling alongside the course.

The challenge is simple: reach the finish line at Arley station before the train arrives and sounds its whistle.
All 5K participants will receive a return train ticket, included in the entry fee, for transport back from Arley to Country Park Halt on a scheduled service shortly after the race.

Final race day instructions with comprehensive race day instructions and timings will be issued to registered runners in advance of the event.

The 10K builds on the same riverside trails, but turns the challenge up a notch. You’ll run downstream through the Severn Valley before crossing the river and heading back upstream on the opposite bank, mixing grassy paths, woodland sections and uneven trail. With steam never far behind, it’s a more immersive test, finishing back at Country Park Halt.

Like the 5k, you’ll head towards Arley on riverside paths, before crossing the river and turning for home on the opposite bank. From there, the chase begins, with the train running back up the valley behind you.
The challenge is simple: stay ahead of the whistle all the way back to the finish.

The 10K race takes place on Saturday 6 June 2026 and is scheduled around the Severn Valley Railway steam service to create a signature, race the train experience.
All runners will need to be at the starting area for 10:45am. The race is planned to start at approximately 11:00am, set off by the sound of the whistle as a Severn Valley Railway steam train arrives at Country Park Halt. Runners will head downstream alongside the river and railway towards Arley, before crossing the river on the footbridge and returning on the east riverbank to the Severn Valley Country Park.
Meanwhile, a train will be approaching Arley, travelling to the Country Park Halt - ready to chase down 10k runners as they head back to the Country Park, to finish the race where it started.

Final race day instructions with comprehensive race day instructions and timings will be issued to registered runners in advance of the event.

The paddlesports race is a timed downstream challenge on the River Severn, taking place alongside the Steaming Down The Valley running events. Participants can take part by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), following a scenic stretch of river between the Severn Valley Country Park and Arley.

Designed for competent paddlers, the event offers a distinctive way to experience race day - combining flowing water, natural features and the atmosphere of the railway running alongside the valley. Paddlers will have the same race the train challenge as our 5k runners.

The paddlesports race takes place on Saturday 6 June 2026 and runs alongside the Steaming Down The Valley running events on the River Severn.
The race is scheduled around the Severn Valley Railway steam service and will take place from the Miner's Bridge at the Severn Valley Country Park, finishing at the footbridge crossing the river at Arley. Paddlers will race downstream on the River Severn, with the route and format designed to complement the on-shore running events. Timing will be on gun time.
Participants will start their race in waves dependent on estimated finishing time. Race timings will closely match those of the 5k running event.

The event has safety measures in place and will have clear guidance provided ahead of race day. All participants must use suitable craft and buoyancy aids, and will be required to confirm that their equipment meets the event’s safety requirements.

Full details, including start arrangements, safety briefing information and race instructions, will be issued to registered participants in advance of the event.