By Nangamso Mabindla
17 November 2005

YOU would be forgiven for thinking of the Terminator when you hear the words Man versus Machine, but they took on a completely different meaning when the province's top runners hit the East London streets on Saturday, 12 November.

The occasion was the Metrorail Man versus Machine competition and, as soon as Buffalo City Councillor Sizwe Dikimolo shot the starter's pistol runners sprinted off, determined to beat a Metro Rail train. The 20km race started at the Fort Jackson at Mdantsane Station and ended at Highgate Station in Cambridge.

Metro Rail marketing and communications manager Alice King said it was the first time East London had hosted this event. "Port Elizabeth hosted it in previous years and but we thought this city deserved a chance. We're looking at making this an annual event."

King said the race was part of Metro Rail's social responsibility programme. "Another aim is to encourage young people to be involved in sport."

Some participants walked from Fort Jackson to Mtsotso Station and from there to Highgate Station. Local schools also took part in the competition, which was well supported.

The overall winner was Port Elizabeth's Harmony Club. Yet despite their best efforts, the runners could not beat the train, which won by a minute.

Runner Odwa Goqwana said he had fun during the event and would be happy if East London hosted it annually.

"We are used to it in Port Elizabeth, but we would appreciate it if local people hosted the event annually. Events like these encourage youngsters to become involved in community building programmes."