The Great Train Race

The Great Train Race is one of the few races were man is pitted against machine in a race that joyfully tests runners to the limit of their endurance. The machine affectionately known as Puffing Billy is an early model steam train that weaves its ways through hills of the Dandenong Ranges just outside of Melbourne, it is a popular tourist destination for young and old alike. Sri Chinmoy has himself travelled on this famous train and described this experience as one of the happiest days of his adult life. The Dandenong Ranges itself have long been favoured running trails of legendary runners such as DeCastella, Clarke and Monagetti, and so every year these two legends of the mountains, Puffing Billy and the runners square off in battle for supremacy. An often overlooked fact about this race is that it always rains, and this year being the 25th anniversary of the race the Rain Gods were extra lavish in their blessings, providing rain in abundance for the 2500 runners. It was into this battlefield that our heroes Tristan, Jeremy and I armed with steely determination and flimsy plastic bags to keep out the rain, entered. Valiantly we ran, slipped and slid their way along the roads and trails to the finish at the fabled Emerald Lake. We eyed our foe at three level crossings along the course. Points where unlucky runners have to stop, loosing valuable seconds, as the train passes, before resuming their quest. It is said that once you miss a crossing point your quest for beating the train is all but dashed. I am happy to report that we all finished the race soaked to the bone, caked in mud but wearing big smiles. Tristan slew the train by a full 7 minutes, finishing 12th overall in 47 minutes a full 7 minutes. Jeremy and I having been caught at crossing points up the mountain were gallant in defeat completing the course in 57 and 61 minutes respectively. We have vowed to return again next year to complete what it for them, "unfinished business."