Runners can now register for the 2008 Puffing Billy Great Train Race.By Tania Martin
IT’S time for hills people to dust off their runners and start training for the gruelling 13.2 kilometre Puffing Billy Great Train Race.
Although the race isn’t until May, runners should enter now before it’s too late.
Puffing Billy has capped the number of entries for this year’s race at 3,000 runners and entries are now open.
Nadine Hutchins of Puffing Billy said as the number of runners had increased over the past few years, the committee had capped the number of entrants for safety reasons.
“By capping the number of entrants we aim to ensure all runners participating in the event have a safe and enjoyable experience,” she said.
“As a result we are encouraging people to enter early as entries will not be accepted on race day.”
Ms Hutchins said after receiving feedback from previous runners, it was decided that a secure online website needed to be set up to provide entrants with a quick and user friendly way of registering for the race.
Participants can now register for the race online before entries close on 10 April.
However, Ms Hutchins said that runners should enter now because as soon as 3,000 entries are received, applications will be closed.
For the first time ever, Puffing Billy has decided to assist runners entering the event by providing an online registry service, at www.puffingbilly.com.au.
The great train race is one of the longest and most popular fun runs on the Australian running calendar.
This year the race will celebrate its 27th anniversary and promises to bigger and better than ever before.
The race will be held on Sunday 4 May from 9.30am, where 3,000 runners will take up the challenge to race Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park in a 13.2 kilometre dash.
To obtain an entry form contact Puffing Billy on 9757 0775 or register online.
