From a runners’ point of view (and a helper) I would like to show my appreciation for a tremendous ‘2010 Rotary Greatest Train Race’. I have been running the Train Race for some 20-odd years and this in my view was the best I have ever been privileged to take part in. And I am not alone in this view, as I questioned many a person along the way and also after the race, from the novice walker to the seasoned runner all agreed to it being such a well organised race. From start to finish the results of the actions that went into making it such a huge success was highly visible and just fantastic. On race morning the weather was pretty cold (not controlled by the organising committee) but other than that every aspect of the race ‘ran like clockwork’.
The water points were all excellent, well stocked with everything a runner needed plus the people manning the points were super friendly, helpful and just great.
I have never seen such well managed change over points, the control of the crowds was much appreciated! I think of all the race aspects (apart from the busses) this must be the most difficult to control but the most improved ever. Thank you. What a pleasure when one could run through without having to negotiate people pushing and shoving looking for their team members. This time it was delightful to see all the eager faces searching for their team mates from a secure distance. Marshalls were great in helping the teams find their team members.
The traffic on the road (or rather the lack of it!) was noticeable. In past years this was one of my biggest fears as busses, cars and bikes were either congested or tearing up and down just a few kilometres into the race. Children and novice walkers wander all over the road and I would watch with concern at the thought of an accident. But this year the road painted a completely different picture and the long snake of people could walk and run knowing they were safe.
Running into the finish tunnel was also well structured as was the entire finish area. What a huge responsibility making sure everyone gets the site they want but also having just so much to work with – well done Kim!
Going back to the beginning - the collation of entries and distribution of numbers is exceptional and very professionally handled. Being privileged this year in lending a hand at the marathon club I can now appreciate the hours of work that goes into capturing and sorting those thousands of entries. Mistakes made here would prove disastrous for the whole race. Computer programmes created for this job are excellent and certainly make the load somewhat lighter. Representatives from Eskom asked me to convey their appreciation to the Middelburg Marathon Club as over the past few years they have never experienced any problems with their entries or the collection thereof.
Last year it was an eye opener for me to learn the huge amount of teamwork that goes into the success of this race. The public, the sponsors and even those receiving the proceeds of your hard work have no idea what you put into this annual project. And to co-ordinate all of this is no easy task but Elsabé certainly manages to create order out of chaos with great skill! (kind assistance from the Chamber office staff is also brilliant)
I know there are certain things that may have gone wrong (and I’ll probably hear about them tomorrow), but whatever they may be just think this can only improve on next years event.
So from one runner that represents thousands of other runners and walkers I would just like to convey a big thank you to the entire organising committee together with their assistants and congratulate you all on a tremendously successful event.
Best regards
Noreen
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