GTR laying the tracks towards eMalahleni

The Greatest Train Race (GTR) is coming to eMalahleni. The race, which is a highlight on runners’ calendars, will start in Middelburg this year and end in eMalahleni.

Since its interception 31 years ago the goal of the GTR was to make a difference in the local community and it grew into one of the largest local charity events. During the first couple of years the race alternated between the then Witbank and Middelburg, but logistically it got too complicated and the decision was made that the race will only go one way from Witbank to Middelburg. But it was time for change and it was decided that the race will be run towards the city of coal.

After a lot of deliberation and discussions with various venues on the space needed to host an event of this magnitude, the clear option was Witbank Dam.

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But this year the race will start at Nkangala District Municipal building on August 18 and end at the spectacular dam which is the biggest municipal dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

Azwi Ramaano, Chantal Bekker, Elsabe Dawson and Max Köhler are excited to announce that the Greatest Train Race will end at Witbank Dam on August 18.

“The real benefit of having the biggest event of Mpumalanga at Witbank Dam is to create jobs, draw tourist’s attractions for future use of the dam, which means increase people to visit eMalahleni and increased money spent in the city ultimately improving the economic status of eMalahleni,” said Chantal Bekker, GTR chairman.

The municipality is very excited about the opportunity to host the GTR.

“The municipality is sourcing funding to renovate Witbank Dam, and every two weeks we will be launching different projects aimed at renovating the dam. There will also be regular meetings with organisers of the race to exchange notes and report on progress. We fully support the race which we regard as one of the greatest sporting event which contributes to social cohesion and has health benefits for residents,” said municipal spokesperson Mr Kingdom Mabuza.