By REBECCA BILLS
RUNNERS from near and far are gearing up for Puffing Billy’s 33rd Great Train Race with organisers predicting this will be the biggest year yet.
The annual event challenges up to 3300 runners who run from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park over a distance measuring 13.2 kilometres.
The race is one of the longest, oldest and most popular fun runs on the Australian running calendar.
It allows runners test their fitness against the popular tourist icon that is Puffing Billy through the varying terrain of the Dandenong Ranges.
This year, runner Steve Kelly from North Balwyn is aiming to become the first competitor to win three consecutive races.
“I really enjoy participating in the Great Train Race as it’s not every day you have the chance to compete against a steam train,” he said.
“There’s also a wonderful sense of community spirit about this unique event which makes tackling those hills that little more bearable. “
Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue attended the launch of the 2014 race and met with this year’s train driver Chris Tasker and Mr Kelly.
“Puffing Billy Railway is one of Victoria’s most iconic tourism assets, attracting over 284,000 visitors last year,” he said.
“It supports local jobs and economic activity and is fortunate to have a brand of nearly 1000 volunteers and staff members working hard to make it the fantastic attraction that it is.
“The Great Train Race is the annual fund-raiser for the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, so I would encourage everyone to register and help support them in preserving a price of Victoria’s history.”
Puffing Billy Railway’s special events manager Matt Collopy said last year entries were fully subscribed within 17 days.
“We encourage those people interested in running this year to enter as soon as possible,” he said.
Proceeds from this year’s Great Train Race will aid the restoration of the NGG 16 127 Garratt locomotive.
Operations and engineering manager John Hoy said the delivery of the locomotive was received on 21 March, 2012 from South Africa and will be a great addition to the Puffing Billy Family.
Mr Collopy said on total fire ban days, the railway cannot run steam trains so having diesel run locomotives will mean the railway can achieve a more sustainable future.
The event is proudly sponsored by Yarra Valley Water, Brooks, Active Feet, 3AW 693 and Magic 1278.
The 33rd Great Train Race is on Sunday 4 May starting at 9.30am sharp at Bayview Road, Belgrave.
Early bird entrants fee is $75 for adults and $45 for children aged between 13 to 16 years-of age or $75 for late adults entries and $55 for late children’s applications.
Early entry deadline is Friday 14 March with all entries available online via www.puffingbilly.com.au.
For more information, visit the website or call 9757 0775.
