MIDDELBURG – The return of the iconic Katryn Class 12F 3117 steam locomotive to the Great Train Race (GTR) for Charity on Saturday, 8 August 2026, brought a piece of Middelburg’s industrial heritage back to the tracks after more than a decade.
The locomotive’s return was made possible by coal supplied by Liberty Coal, the main sponsor of this year’s race, linking the region’s mining heritage with an event centred on sport, charity and community.
For Liberty Coal, the sponsorship went beyond branding and provided an opportunity to help restore a much-loved part of the race’s identity.
“The return of the steam locomotive is more than a celebration of a bygone era; it is a powerful reminder of where our community comes from and what we can achieve when we come together,” Liberty Coal Head of Communications Mpumelelo Mashifane said.
“For Liberty Coal, it was particularly meaningful to play a role in bringing this iconic piece of our industrial heritage back to the Great Train Race by supplying the coal that powered its journey to Middelburg. As a company deeply rooted in the region, we are proud to support an event that brings together sport, charity, heritage and community.”
The locomotive travelled from Pretoria to Middelburg using coal supplied by Liberty Coal, with the company also securing exclusive branding rights on its tender.
More than 200 Liberty Coal employees participated in the 24,7km race, 11,3km race, 4,9km fun run and 10km team relay, while another team assisted with logistics and event coordination.
The company also made its mark on the results, with its athletes claiming first and second place in the men’s race and delivering a strong performance in the relay.
Their participation reflected Liberty Coal’s focus on employee wellness and its association with the Nkangala Athletics Academy, which assisted the company in preparing a competitive team.
“Our employees’ participation and their outstanding performance on the day made our maiden involvement even more special. We are proud to have been part of an occasion that put the ‘Great’ back into the Great Train Race,” Mashifane said.
The steam locomotive became a major attraction at an event that drew more than 5,000 entrants, while more than 10,000 people attended the wider festivities at the Steve Tshwete Municipal Showgrounds.
For Liberty Coal, its first year as the GTR’s main sponsor brought together community sport, charity, employee wellness and the region’s industrial heritage, with the return of steam providing a fitting connection to its roots in coal.
