MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Train Race Two-for-one initiative for schools

By

Swartkops Primary
Swartkops Primary

Organisers of the 2017 Medihelp Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race have announced a entry special to boost the involvement of local schools in the event coming up on the 1st October.

Zsports Events NPC, a local non-profit events company, are offering a two-for-two entry special up until the end of August where schools receive a complimentary team entry with every team which they enter for this appealing Man versus Machine relay concept. School teams will be racing for a floating trophy with the top 3 teams also receiving medals and Medihelp hampers.

“As with most Zsports’ events, our objective is to draw social participation of all ages and get them active in fun affordable outdoor sporting activities.” said Zsports’ marketing manager Akhiwe Malinga.

“How awesome would it be to have more youth taking part with their schools and racing against their parents in their respective teams”.

The Medihelp Train Race is a unique biathlon relay race for teams comprising of 5 runners and 1 mountain bike cyclist starting at 9am from the Port Elizabeth Station and ending the 38km later at the Uitenhage Station.

This man vs machine race against a spectator packed Metrorail train was re-established in 2014 and attracted a lot of interest. This year heralds the start of a two-year sponsorship with Medihelp Medical Aid with local companies supporting the event by sponsoring the various change-over points and water tables along the route.

Another fun aspect of this fantastic event is the train trip for the spectators with over 700 tickets selling out each year. At just R60 for the return trip, spectators get front row seats to the event and a great day out with the family. The train departs from Port Elizabeth Station at 9am on race day, returning from Uitenhage station at 2pm. A festive 15 minutes stop-over is planned at Redhouse Station where the Redhouse Benevolent Society will be selling eats and refreshments. Passengers are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and drinks onto the train but a strict ‘No Glass’ policy applies for the train and festival area. At the Uitenhage finish are, the Rotary Kids Zone is available for the youth to enjoy at a R30 donation whilst a Castle Lite Beer Garden and numerous food stalls welcome the crowds. Spit braai’s and braai’s are done for the public with meal tickets available for pre-booking or on the day.

The first teams and train are expected in at 11am with prize giving taking place at the festival area from 13h00. This year’s winning team members will each receive a top of the range pair of Puma running shoes and Medihelp prize hampers.

For further information about the race, registering your team, or t-shirt orders, contact the Zsports office on 041 484 7860.

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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.