I agree re. the train times - it would save so much in terms of congestion in Horton if there was a sensible train you could get in time for the start.
On other matters, did the race for the first time last year (4hr50). My advice for any newcomers (such as it is worth):
1) don't get over excited by PYG - it's the lowest and there's a long way to go (It's long enough just to get to Ribblehead).
2) I spent the majority of the time last year obsessing about meeting the cut offs. Having done so I was quite tempted to jump in the minibus at the Hill Inn! I can't see why in retrospect since by then you've conquered Whernside and made the last cut off, but it was tempting at the time believe me.
3) It is a bloody long way from Ingleborough.
4) Wave harriers were ideal.
My slow time was largely due to a intermittent walk which I was overcome by I think just after the Hill Inn. It's a little hazy.
HOWEVER, looking forward to it this year. Will be no thoughts re. minibuses or the like and would love to finish sub 4hr30.:)