Puffing Billy’s engine wasn’t the only thing blowing off steam in the Dandenong Ranges on Sunday 30 April, as 2213 runners took to the 13.5 km of rugged terrain to race against the historic train in the 36th annual Great Train Race.
This year’s winner was Nick Earl from Parkville, who crossed the line in 43 minutes and 10 seconds.
Nick was thrilled to win the race after coming second in 2016 to Craig Appleby.
This year their positions were reversed with Craig coming second in 43m.42s.
The first female to cross the line was Gemma Maini from Mount Eliza, who finished the race in 49m.12s.
Gemma was delighted to win after coming second place back in 2015.
Puffing Billy crossed the line in 55m.24s, which was almost one minute faster than in 2016, possibly due to the fine weather this year.
Shane Thiele from South Yarra won the Veteran Male (aged 40 and over) who ran in 48m and 50s.
Elizabeth Maguire from North Ward won the Veteran Female (aged 40 and over) who ran in 57m.58s.
The Under 18 Male Winner was Corey Dickson from Bayswater, who ran in 51m.49s.
The Under 18 Female Winner was Jaimee-Lee Code from Narre Warren North who ran in 53m.01s.
Adam Koops, who is completely blind, ran a sensational race and finished in 59m.51s.
Adam ran tethered to an experienced runner and found the Great Train Race to be a great way to prepare for the New York Marathon which he will be competing in later this year.
A full list of race results are available at www.puffingbilly.com.au.
President of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Jeff Goodwin, said the race is a major fundraiser for the not-for-profit railway.
The Great Train Race organisers thanked Yarra Valley Water, Brooks, Active Feet and Life Isotonic for their ongoing support.
