Entries for the GTR 2017 are open
The launch of the new look event took place during May at the Middelburg Care Village, which is one of the GTR main beneficiaries.
It’s almost time to get off the couch and get ready for the 31st annual Greatest Train Race (GTR).
The GTR is taking place on August 19.
The launch of the new look event took place during May at the Middelburg Care Village, which is one of the GTR main beneficiaries. At the event, the main sponsor, Glencore, confirmed their commitment to the project.
“We do it because we are a company passionate about our community and of our desire to have a positive impact within our community,” said Mr Thys Marx, Glencore Community Manager.
Steve Tshwete Local Municiplaity Mayor Mike Masina looks on as Thys Marx (Glencore) and Chantal Bekker (Greatest Train Race chairman) sign the main sponsorship agreement.
The online entries are open and you can now register for the GTR 2017 at www.gtr.co.za until August 1.
Entry forms can be obtained and handed in at Highveld Mall Info Kiosk, Middelburg Mall Info Kiosk and Middelburg Information Centre (Walter Sisulu Street next to Dros).
The format of the race will be the same as last year with a few minor changes.
The start of the 32km race will move to WH De Klerk School in Witbank. The race will start at 07:00.
The 15km race will start from the Hillside Station turn off near La Rochelle at 07:00.
The finish venue will be at Kees Taljaard Stadium in Middelburg.
The relay race has been changed to a team format. Groups and companies are encouraged to enter teams that will run the 4.9km race together. There are 10 available time slots in 20 minute intervals which you can reserve. The entire team of five will start in the same time slot. Participants will run in a 4.9km circle route.
The 2017 Greatest Train Race Organising Committee members are: (front) Anthony Beale, John Moshidi, Bees Schoeman, Mary Gavure, Monica Joao, Elsabé Dawson, Regina Watson, Natascha Robberts, Charles Deiner, Max Köhler, John Brislin, Eddie Dhlamini, Pieter Cromhout; (back) Pieter Steinman, Jacques Bekker, Johan Mostert, Chantal Bekker, Aswidihwi Ramaano, Anton Meerkotter and André Brandmuller.
There will also be the ever popular 4.9km fun run for young and old starting at 08:15am on the corner of Van der Merwe and Oosthuyzen Street in Middelburg and ending at Kees Taljaard Stadium.
Entry fees amount to R400 per team of five adults and/or R200 per school team of five. Individual runners can enter at R85 per person for the 15km and R130 per person for the 32km timed race. Unlicensed 15km and 32km individuals must remember to add a temporary licence for R30. The 4.9km fun run will only cost R50 per entry.
Notably one of the largest charity events of its kind in the country, the Rotary GTR annually sets the stage for unlimited sponsorship opportunities and community investment. The organisers are humbled to have Glencore on board once more as main sponsor of the event. There are a number of varied sponsorship opportunities still available for small to large businesses as well as private individuals and organisations.
Interested parties may contact the race organisers by e-mail at admin@gtr.co.za or the race office on 013 243 2253.
