History

In 1987 the Rotary Club of Coalfields launched the first relay event against a steam train along the private Amcoal railway line between Wolvekrans and Witbank (eMalahleni).  This event took place annually for the next 5 years.  In 1992 the race route was relocated to run along the railway line and road between Middelburg and Witbank incorporating two of Mpumalanga's larger cities in the event.  This led to the involvement of the four local Rotary Clubs and subsequently the Rotary Greatest Train Race was born.

The Rotary Greatest Train Race has since grown into one of South Africa’s largest community investment projects.  The race comprises a relay and individual race against a train along the route between eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middelburg.   Individuals and relay teams consisting of employees of corporations, private companies, government departments, scholars, technikons or universities students, members’ of sports clubs, social clubs and private individuals annually participate in this community driven charity event.  The race is open to all members of the public interested in contributing to the wellbeing of their community and who are fit for the challenge.   The event, which is renowned for its festive atmosphere and camaraderie, is popular with individual runners, teams and walkers.  Walking and running teams consist of 5 runners per team. 

In addition, disadvantaged individuals from the community are given the opportunity to experience the Greatest Train Race with a train ride on the train that “competes” against the runners -  truly a once in a lifetime experience for some.

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 2010 event attracted close 20 000 runners and walkers, with a total of more than 45 000 people joining hands and opening their hearts on race day for the less fortunate in their communities.  Close to R1 million was generated for local community based beneficiaries.