An epic race in the league of the Comrades marathon will soon get underway in the North Coast’s back garden.
This March the inaugural North Coast-Zululand Great Train Race will pose a fresh challenge to hard-core road runners and mountain bikers. Runners will take on a gruelling 106 kilometres while mountain bikers ride 77 kilometres.
The event has is being sanctioned by a number of stakeholders, namely Ilembe District municipality and Great Train Race, a registered non-profit company, together with five municipalities, KZN departments of health and transport, SAPS and Transnet.
On March 8 runners and cyclists will take off from the KwaDukuza New Guelderland railway platform, following the train tracks all the way to Empangeni.
Five man teams can run the route with each competitor running 21 kilometres. Iron man contestants will take on the full 106km by themselves. The prices for teams differ in category, which include corporate teams, school teams, clubs and non corporate teams and subsidised development teams.
For those who want to take it easy, a five and ten kilometre fun run/walk is also an option. After the races are over, there will be plenty of entertainment for all ages.
The mountain biking course has also received a lot of interest.
“We decided to add the mountain biking to the race, a lot of people enjoy riding in the area, especially with all the trails around,” said Diane Wessels, the event’s organiser.
“There is a demand for this kind of event as there is a huge sporting fraternity on the North Coast,” said Wessels.
“The area is also a great tourist destination and this race will help with both tourism and economic development. We are also aiming to use the race to drive sport development in the area,” she said.
The race organisers are also involved in community upliftment and sporting equipment will be donated to various underprivileged schools. A number of other community projects and charities will be supported through the race.
Entry fees include refreshments and transport for relay runners from the start line. The entertainment zone will have a beer garden and all you can eat Tshisa Nyama.
Durban band Afritude, rock band Angus, radio personality Dave Guselli and sport commentator Keith Eaton will entertain spectators and competitors.
To book tickets and find out more about the race, its course and to book accommodation, visit www.greattrainrace.com.
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