History could be made and records broken at this year’s Great Train Race as Echuca resident, Tarli Bird, goes for her third consecutive win in the 13.5-kilometre run.
If successful, this feat will be unprecedented in the event’s 36-year history.
Registrations are now open for the 2017 Great Train Race, which Bird won in the women’s division in 2015 and last year.
Bird said that while she was aware of the record, she was more concerned about trying to beat the train and her times from previous years.
“I really enjoy trying to beat the train at each of the four crossings and the adrenaline this brings when you can hear the train in the distance,” she said.
“It’s a challenging run and provides a great sense of accomplishment when you finish.
“I always feel better once I am over the two-kilometre hill, which never gets easier or shorter each year.
“The event allows you to enjoy the Dandenong Ranges in a unique way by giving you the opportunity to run on roads that are usually unavailable to runners due to traffic.
“I am training well and confident that I can run a similar time to previous years.”
Puffing Billy Railway Special Events Manager, Matt Collopy, said part of the Great Train Race’s popularity stemmed from the unique challenges it presented for runners.
“Despite the race being relatively short in distance, the three-hill climbs in the first 10 kilometres certainly tests the runners, with the final 3-4 kilometres being run at a fast pace on a soft, downhill trail,” he said.
“Hearing Puffing Billy’s whistle but never knowing if you are ahead or behind the train creates anticipation and excitement among the runners, as they traverse the varying landscape of bush terrain, sealed and dirt roads.
“The race is not for the faint-hearted, so I encourage all participants to train accordingly in the lead-up to race day.”
The Great Train Race is one of the oldest and most popular events on the Australian running calendar, and the 2017 event is expected to attract 3200 participants, from competitive runners to those who simply want to challenge themselves in a unique landscape.
The Great Train Race is organised by Puffing Billy Preservation Society volunteers, with all proceeds – and any additional donations – going towards the Puffing Billy Menzies Creek Museum Redevelopment project.
The event will be held on Sunday 30 April, with a 9.30am race start.
The start is located at Bayview Road, Belgrave, with the finish line at Emerald Lake Park, Emerald.
Register online at www.greattrainrace.com.au.
