RUNNERS BEAT TRAIN IN EXCITING DUATHLON RELAY

The second addition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race, hosted by NMBT, was another resounding success on Sunday morning as athletes took on machine in a race against the Metrorail train between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Station.

This year the runners got the better of the train with the top 4 teams beating the train as unexpected signal delays along the route slowed down the defending champions. It was the young running stars from the Gamble Pharmacy team that took the lead from the start and were the break away winners, crossing the finish line in 1 hour 57 minutes with defending champions IAC Investments some 5 minutes later whilst the club category defending champions Charlo AC crossed the line in 3rd place overall to claim their category honours once again. 

The Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race is a unique biathlon relay event which is the only sporting event in the metro which involves the 3 towns of the Metro as runners started in Port Elizabeth before heading through Swartkops, Redhouse, Despatch and into Uitenhage.

"We were blessed with perfect weather which made for a very festive event," said race organiser Michael Zoetmulder from non-profit events company Zsports. "Not only were the competing teams having fun, but the 700 train passengers also had a great time along the route and at the festival finish at Uitenhage Station. We anticipate this event to grow substantially in popularity as one of the Provinces leading corporate team building events."

"Without the support of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, this event would not have been possible this year and we are most grateful for their continued support for sports events which boost the city." 

The race, which was open to teams comprising of 5 runners and 1 MTB cyclist, included a corporate, social, club and schools category. In the social category it was the Uitenhage based team of Thomas Gamble Eagles that won followed by the Dream Team and Dalrose Red Devils whilst Swartkops Primary claimed the Schools trophy this year. In the Clubs category, Charlo AC was followed in by Despatch AC team A and the Muirite Striders 1st team.