Beneficiaries

A vast number of community projects have benefited from the race during the past 25 years.
The Rotary Greatest Train Race remains a community investment project driven by the community for the community.  Anglo American, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa,  TRAC and Xstrata SA have committed their financial and logistical support to the 2011 event as main sponsors.  Many local organisations and smaller businesses remain committed partners in this event that brings a considerable amount of joy to the lives of those less fortunate. 

The funds generated from the 2011 Rotary Greatest Train Race will be allocated to the following possible beneficiaries:

• Children’s Homes:  Middelburg Care Village,  Kriel Children’s Home, Umephi House;
• Homes for the Aged: SAVF Middelburg & Hendrina, St Joseph’s, Moths Middelburg, Immergroen, Kaghuka;
• Physically & Mentally Disadvantaged: Huis Betsie Louw, Highveld Society, Collapsible Wheelchair Project;
• Middelburg Hospice;
• SA Reserve Police Services (Middelburg and eMalahleni);
• SPCA (Middelburg & eMalahleni);
• Loskop Children's Fund;
• Establishment of Pro-life Centre;
• SWEMB;
• Annual Blanket Project;
• Provision of sanitation, water and essential equipment for Rural Schools and Preschools in the area;
• Library Project.

The final decision as to the allocation of funds will be advised once the quantum of the proceeds of the 25th Rotary Greatest Train Race is known.  

The race committee still supports the ‘Run for a Bible’ cause whereby race entrants can voluntarily sponsor a Bible for R25,00.

2011
Saturday, 20 August 2011 hails the 25th annual Rotary Greatest Train Race. Celebrating 25 years of community outreach and investment, the event will once again be held on the traditional R555 route between eMalahleni(Witbank) and Middelburg.

The Greatest Train Race was faced with quite a challenge with the road closure of the R555 due to bridge construction. Cancelling the event was never an option for the race organizers and an alternative route had to be identified. It soon became evident that the N4 highway would be the only other possible route. With the tremendous financial and logistical assistance of TRAC the Greatest Train Race planned to run along the N4 Highway for the 1st time in the history of the event. However in the interest of safety for all a decision was taken in July to revert back to the R555 as all indications are that the route will be usable for the 2011 Greatest Train Race event

The race will once again start at the Witbank Station at 07h30 and route along the R555 to cover a total distance of 28 kilometers. The finish venue of the raceremains at the grounds of the Steve Tshwete Municipal Offices in Middelburg, where a festive atmosphere awaits participants.

Enquiries: www.gtr.co.za or 08611 TRAIN (87246)