By LARISSA KUZEFF
FITNESS enthusiasts from around the region huffed and puffed after a massive day at Puffing Billy’s 34th Great Train Race last Sunday.
The race, which began at 9.30am, involved hundreds of registered runners, who completed a 13.5-kilometre route from Belgrave to Emerald via the picturesque hills and ferns gullies of Dandenong Ranges in an attempt to outrun the iconic steam engine, Puffing Billy.
Participants were asked to pass certain checkpoints throughout the race by specific times to stay in the race, with 120 minutes the longest time possible to complete the event.
Those who did not participate in the race volunteered through helping out with athlete support, marshalling, and clean-up.
Steve Kelly from North Balwyn crossed the line to win the event in 42 minutes and 27 seconds. Steve won the race in 2012 and 2013, but was beaten by local runner, Craig Appleby in 2014. However this year, Steve was victorious and Craig was second place-getter running 43 minutes and 42 seconds.
The first female to cross the line was Tarli Bird from Echuca who finished in 48 minutes and 55 seconds. Tarli beat the winner from the last two years, Sarah Klein, who was trying to become a record holder for achieving first place-getter three years in a row. This year Sarah was the third place-getter, crossing the line in 50 minutes and 54 seconds.
Puffing Billy crossed the line in 51 minutes and 47 seconds, which resulted in 48 runners being absolutely thrilled to have beaten this tourist icon.
The not for profit tourism organisation, the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, successfully raised around $95,000 from the event.
These funds will go towards restoration of Garratt Locomotive NGG 16-129 which was purchased in the 1990s from South Africa. For a full list of winners, visit http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/news-events/great-train-race/
