And we had great fun on the train

Whilst hundreds of runners pounded the streets from Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage in the inaugural Great Train Race, the Longhair and I – along with 600 or so close friends from PE – allowed the train to pull us along the route with stops at North End, Sydenham, New Brighton, Swartkops, Redhouse, Perserverance, Despatch, de Mist and finally the Uitenhage Train Station.

We urged the runners on and revelled in the excitement of children who were on their first train trip ever – one was heard to remark; “We will soon LAND in Uitenhage!”

A great reception awaited us at Redhouse Station as Auntie Jenny and Co. had organised tea, coffee and muffins at our stop with pipers piping and great merriment as the Redhousians emptied our pockets in the name of their benevolent society.

Well organised changeover and watering points were to be seen along the route which saw runners alongside the train adding to the tension of just who would win. A train hoot every now and then would see runners scampering faster in their attempt to slay the iron behemoth.

As runners poured water and energy bars into themselves the Longhair and I partook of a light snack – Sushi prepared by himself. Oh the points I have scored with that particular skill!

At our final stop beer and braais awaited runners and spectators alike. Grabbing the opportunity we elected to take a short walk through Uitenhage and take photographs.

Back on the train we took a little less time for the ‘downhill’ run that we took on the morning’s ‘uphill’ run.

All in all a very satisfying day. See you on the train in 2015.

Results here: Train beats runners by 30 seconds.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE

Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.

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