Run 74. Tram route 58. 5/2/2020.
Fourth tram run in a row. Literally on a run of trams. Tram number 58 is the quirkiest of all the tram routes to date. And because of an incident in Flinders St that day I even saw a series of 58a trams popping up. Got a ride to the zoo and rode the 58 tram to Bell St to start the run. Set up for a quick time as the start was downhill towards the city. But what stops a fast time is a confusing route and the 58 has plenty of these.
First the path through Royal Park. Tricky to follow especially when confronting a train / tram crossover. Avoiding electrocution, being hit by large passenger vehicles and potential fines certainly distracts from speedy running. Back past the zoo where they were setting up for an evening fun run – as no one was at the finish, I guess I won?
Past the Royal Childrens and then almost into the city before a detour to Victoria Market. Then through the city on a path that is the exclusive use of the 58 tram.
Even leaving the city was not straightforward. Queens Bridge St is not a running track for the faint hearted with cars coming from all directions, including above. Tram 58 then spends 500m mixing with the palleton of other trams on St Kilda Rd before separating again to head down Toorak Rd. Finally an easy section to follow. Despite all this, I ran a tidy 1:44:14.
My Three Learnings.
When tram and train lines cross the path on foot is complex and dangerous.
Best way to be first to the finish line is to arrive 2 hours early.
Tram individuality in the city doesn’t aid a good time.