THIS year marked Marian College’s 30th 'Marian 100' relay and the event last Friday was a great success.
“The Marian 100 pretty much rests on Davina’s shoulders: she’s an absolute sensation,” said teacher, Tony ‘Cus’ Cuskelly.
“The sheer amount of coordination it takes to put together: we’re all very grateful.”
On Friday morning, 56 students started out from Mount Hotham on the first leg of the 100km relay at only three degrees, with the support of 18 staff members, teachers, parents and other volunteers.
At the Bright Golf Club, 12 children from the Porepunkah Primary School joined the runners for a stretch of the relay.
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At approximately 2:45pm, all participants regrouped at the Old Butter Factory on the outskirts of Myrtleford to run the final stretch of the relay together, with officers from Myrtleford Police Station providing an escort down the main street.
At the Marian College Oval, students from all year levels were present to cheer the runners over the finish line; a colourful crepe-paper barricade, complete with balloons.
Across the oval, the runners gathered for one last huddle before sprinting the last few metres to thunderous applause.
College staff were at the ready with icy-poles handed out to the participants to beat the heat, which was recorded at 31 degrees at the finish line.
“My thanks to the parents and staff who assisted on this year’s relay,” said Mr Cuskelly.
“I know for a fact that we can’t put this on every year without your support and all the effort you put in.
“It is a grueling event.
“The support that everyone gives each other is so important, especially during leg number three, that was a bit challenging and slow at the start.”
“I know it’s something everyone who participated will look back on their time at Marian with good memories,” said event organiser and teacher, Davina Perkins.
“I look forward to it again next year.”
This year’s race had a special guest Bruno Spiller, who was a teacher at Marian and started the 'Marian 100' with Dean Rosato in 1992.
Mr Spiller was even wearing his 2002 commemorative, 10-year 'Marian 100' Relay t-shirt.
“I’m so proud of all you young people and what you’re doing,” he said.
“Any time I put this shirt on, I feel really proud.
“This relay is about helping each other and I was overcome seeing how much support you give to each other.”
This was the 30th 'Marian 100' relay, as a few years ago, the relay was not held due to lockdowns.
Leading Senior Constables David Goodley and Jason Barbidge acted as lead and support vehicles, cycling with the participants during the relay.
“There were no problems at all throughout the relay,” Ld Sen Const Goodley said.
“I had a few indoor bike sessions to prepare,” Ld Sen Const Barbidge said.
“It was a really good day and it’s a great cause; it’s great to be involved.
“We love working with the community to build relationships and work on community engagement.
“It’s great talking to the kids.
“This is the second year the police have been involved.
“We had great feedback last year, so we were asked to come back.”
