The Greatest Train Race

The 25th Rotary Greatest Train Race will mark the largest participant base in the event's history with a record number of 20 000 participants expected to take to the old route (R555) between eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middelburg on Saturday, 20 August 2011.

“The race route remains along the R555 road from eMalahleni to Middelburg. Construction and repairs to the bridge over the Olifants River are progressing well and all indications are that the race route will be ready for use by race day. If not, athletes will be routed along the alternative temporary bridges across the Olifants River,” said Jan Botha, convenor of the Greatest Train Race Committee.

Mr Botha commented that the use of the N4 highway as race route was offered by TRAC at a stage when there was no alternative route and it seemed that the construction of the bridge on the R555 would not be completed by race date. The scenario has changed drastically since then and the event committee took a final decision to use the R555 race route after considering the various logistical and safety implications of both routes.

A further positive contributing factor in using the R555 as race route is that the 25th commemorative event will once again be a race against the train.

The 25th anniversary event will be a celebration of the commitment, loyalty and dedication of participants, sponsors and Rotary volunteers to the less fortunate in the Middelburg and eMalahleni communities. The Greatest Train Race has shown tremendous growth since its inception in October
of 1987. Notably the largest community outreach program of its kind in the country, the Greatest Train Race raised close to a million rand for the benefit of 15 charitable projects last year.

The organisers aim to raise R1 million for various local community based beneficiaries with the tremendous financial and logistical assistance of the main sponsors Anglo American, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa, TRAC and Xstrata SA on board as main sponsors of the 2011 event.

The Rotary Greatest Train Race remains a community investment project driven by the community for the community. We are honoured to have Anglo American, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa, Optimum Coal, TRAC and Xstrata SA on board as title sponsors of the 2011 event. 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. We would like to appeal to companies in the surrounding communities to seriously consider becoming partners in this worthwhile communityventure.”

The funds generated from the 2011 event 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 25ht 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.

“Although the race route will not run along the N4 highway, TRAC still remains a committed partner to the Rotary Greatest Train Race. TRAC has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Greatest Train Race and is eager to see the continued success of this event. As sponsor, TRAC has the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the communities in which we operate. TRAC is a member of this community and it is an honour to be a partner of this exceptional fundraising project.” said Anita Heyl, spokesperson for TRAC.

“It is with great anticipation that we prepare for the 25th anniversary event of the Rotary Greatest Train Race. The Race Committee is committed to staging another world class charity event on Saturday 20 August 2011. The Greatest Train Race has become a national treasure over the past years – an embodiment of the spirit of Masakhane, of coming together and giving. The 2011 event will not only continue this tradition but set a new benchmark for community investment programs throughout Southern Africa.” said Loma van der Walt, media spokesperson for the Rotary Greatest Train Race.

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