The 2012 Rotary Greatest Train Race



The tunnel finish branded by sponsors

The 2012 Rotary Greatest Train Race organised by the Rotary Clubs of Middelburg, Witbank and Middelburg Cycad took place on 18 August.



The medal which all participants received

The largest race in the 26 year history of the event attracted the entries of nearly 23000 participants. More than 140 busses were used to transport the athletes to their respective changeovers - Somewhat of a logistical challenge!

The 1st team finishes!!!

The Rotary Clubs made use of more than 900 volunteer marshalls to ensure the smooth running of the event.
As always the Train Race was a huge success with many smiles and lots of laughter. The participating companies used the event as a team building opportunity as well as an opportunity for their employees to let of some steam.
In this process the Rotarians hope to raise more than R1 million for the benefit of the needy in the community. We will keep you posted to see if the target was achieved.

Participants stream across the finish line

We would like to thank our main sponsors, Anglo American, Eskom and Xstrata Coal for their continued support of the race. The race would also not have been possible if it was not supported by a number of other sponsors who contributed in some manner (large and small).




It was also wonderful to be joined by Rotarians from Louis Trichardt (and the Agorra ladies), Pretoria West, Rustenburg and White River, who helped as marshalls. We look forward to having you here again at the 2013 Race.

The ladies from Louis Trichardt

PDG Nic van Zyl and Joan joined us from White River

AG Ian Bannatyne (Louis Trichardt) enjoying a meal and a chat after a hard day at one of the change overs

Congratulations and well done to the Organising Committee of the 2012 Greatest Train Race, Rotarians and the Volunteers who were involved in a wonderful day!!!!!

Former Chairpersons of the Race Andre Brandmuller and Anthony Beale enjoying a few memories

The sign says it all!!

The success of the day was mirrored by the comment of Middelburg Mayor Mike Masina, who indicated that he would like to have a meeting with the Organisers of the Greatest Train Race and the Chambers of Commerce in order to join hands in the growth of the event.

A well earned rest for the VTT Team from D6400

The VTT Team from D6400 spent the last 3 days of their visit to D9400 in the Kruger National Park for a well earned rest after having worked extremely hard in the preceding period. Although they did not see all of the Big 5, they most certainly enjoyed the tranquility of the park.

The team even had time to discuss the issues of sustainability and the way forward over a few glasses of wine.

Thank you, Mary Jeanne, Jeanne, Sue, Karen and Dave for the wonderful work you have done.

VTT Team reports to the Rotary Clubs

DG Martin and Christina Forsyth Thompson

On 31 July 2012 President Anna Mart Ott presided over a joint meeting and Anns Evening of the Rotary Clubs of Middelburg, Middelburg Cycad and Witbank. It was wonderful that DG Martin Forsyth Thompson and his wife Chistina could join us to listen to the presentation of the VTT Teams from D6400 and D9400. It was clear from the presentation by the teams as that this VTT has had a huge impact on the educators who participated, and it was great to hear that many of these teachers are already implementing the strategies shared by the VTT in the classrooms.

Mary Jeanne specifically mentioned that some of the success of this project must be attributed to the support of mr JJ Mabena of the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

 DG Martin correctly remarked that the VTT component in Global Grants has added a much needed element into the pprogrammes of the Rotary Foundation. Thank you to all the Rotarians who have assisted, and congratulations to the 2 teams on a job well done!!!!!!

Team Leaders Marie Jeanne Gallagher and Elaine Galanakis sharing their views of the exchange with Rotarians and their partners