Wollondilly Shire Council is preparing to host one of the most unique running events in the region – the Huff N’ Puff Road Race and Family Fun Run – on Sunday 25 May.

Participants have the opportunity to race alongside the historic 3001 Steam Engine in an event which includes museum entry to the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere.

Runners will catch a steam train to join either the 6.7km race from Buxton Station or the 3.5km Family Fun Run from Couridjah Station, returning back to Thirlmere Station.

Mayor Matt Gould is encouraging people to sign up for the event, with tickets now available online.

“Last year we had over 120 participants in the road race and over 100 in the Family Fun Run,” he said.

“It is not every day that you can test your speed against a historic steam train, so if you’ve been thinking about it in previous years, now is your chance to enter.”

The standing Huff N’ Puff record is currently 20.49 minutes, with the average race time being 35 minutes. Prize money is on offer for the winners of the road race by category, while Family Fun Run participants will receive a drink bottle and ribbon.

The event starts at 8am at the NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere.

Tickets are available from TryBooking - www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1344420. Entry includes a race bib and timing chip.

For more information and to see footage from last year’s event, head to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam website