TRAIN JUST OUT SPRINTS RUNNERS

For the first time every, the three towns of Nelson Mandela Bay were joined in one sporting event yesterday as the inaugral Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race rolled into town and challenged just under 2,000 runners between Port Elizabeth Station and Uitenhage Station.

As residents lined the streets and cheered on the 7-person teams at the Port Elizabeth Station, Sydenham, New Brighton, Swartkops, Redhouse, Perseverance, Despatch and Uitenhage, it was the train that took the honours with just 30 seconds to spare. The packed train with some 600 dignatories and families on board reached the Uitenhage platform in a time of 1hr 57min and 26sec just ahead of first corporate team from IAC Investements. Gamble Pharmacy placed 2nd with Transnet Lions in 3rd place. Charlo Athletics Club won the Club category from Graaff-Reinet Running Club and Bluewater Bay Running Club whilst Graslaagte Primary claimed 1st and 2nd spot in the Schools Category with Hill College in 3rd place. In the popular Social Teams category it was the Secret 7 winning the gold from Artwork for Youth and Dalrose Red Devils.

This year's event was supported and hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism with various local companies sponsoring the change-over and water table points along the route.

The event is set to become annual event with organisers announcing that next year's race will be a down run starting at Uitenhage Station and finishing at the Port Elizabeth Station.

Full results are available on www.nmbTrainRace.co.za and official pictures from the event are on www.portelizabethphotographer.co.za.