History is being rewritten. There will be no puffs of smoke from the track as this year’s Greatest Train Race won’t be seeing a steam train.
This is the first time in 29 years, since the interception of the race that the train will not take its usual place on the tracks.
“It is with a heavy heart that the organisers have to inform the public that there will be not be a train at this year’s Greatest Train Race,” Max Köhler, convenor of this well known race said.
The current economic climate is to blame for the situation.
To have the train on the tracks would cost R300 000. The decision was made to rather spend the money on the beneficiaries.
It has been 29 years since the launch of the first relay event back in 1987. In the day the route took runners and the train along the private Amcoal railway line between Wolvekrans and eMalahleni. This event was so popular it took place annually for the next five years.
In 1992 the race route was relocated to run along the railway line and road between Middelburg and eMalahleni. This led to the involvement of the four local Rotary Clubs and subsequently the Rotary Greatest Train Race was born.
The purpose of the event is first and foremost a nation building exercise in which all members of the community are able to participate in raising funds that can be reinvested into local community projects. These projects are annually identified and closely monitored and managed by the Rotary Clubs of Middelburg Cycad, Middelburg and Witbank.
The 2014 event attracted close to 16 000 runners and walkers, with a total of more than 35 000 people joining hands and opening their hearts on race day for the less fortunate in their communities. R800 000 was generated for local community based beneficiaries.
The event is renowned for its festive atmosphere and camaraderie. Köhler said they assure all the sponsors and the participants that this decision will not affect the fun element that the train race has always been associated with.
The race is taking place on Saturday, August 22 with 14 500 participants taking to the road. It starts at the Witbank Train Station and finishes at the Middelburg Municipality.
The Old Middelburg road (R555) will be closed to traffic from 05:00 to 14:00.
For any enquiries contact 086 11 TRAIN (87246) or e-mail:entry@gtr.co.za or admin@gtr.co.za.
