Train race gaining top speed

EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the much-anticipated Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race which starts at the Port Elizabeth Station on July 27.

The concept, reintroduced by Zports after an absence of 10 years, will see teams of seven members taking on a Metro Rail train between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage, a distance of approximately 40km, from nine on the Sunday morning.

Categories include corporate, social, club and school teams as they challenge each other for trophies and bragging rights in this signature Metro event.

Limited to just 300 teams, the race is expected to sell out soon given that over half of the allotted entries have already been snapped up by local companies. Zports have also made spectator tickets available on the train with fewer than a third of the 500 tickets remaining.

Entry fees start at R350 per team with spectator train tickets only R50 for a return ticket.

NMB Tourism chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile welcomed the event, saying it would add to the promotion of the region as a popular sporting destination.

"We support the return of the concept as unique attractions and activities have great marketing value for the region," Skefile said.

The race was one of the largest road-running events in the province when relay teams raced the Apple Express between Port Elizabeth and Loerie until 2004.

Organisers say a new, sustainable format has been conceived this year. They say the race will be the first major sporting event to incorporate all three towns which make up Nelson Mandela Bay.

The first teams are expected to reach Uitenhage Station around 11am with the last teams likely to be in just before the 1pm prizegiving.

A festival of activities will welcome teams at Uitenhage.

For online entry, purchase of train tickets and other information, consult the event's website on .