At the beginning of Week 7 (Term 4), some of our Year 10 boys, Neil Kamat, Maximillian Norton, Hunter Cutbush, Joshua Cowan, Charlie Challies-Gibb, Sam McAfee, and their teacher Mr Shiel, were welcomed with a Powhiri onto Cullinane College, Whanganui, which was the start of what was to be an amazing experience for all involved. 

Then it was on to Ohakune where they spent their first night in a local Marae, overshadowed by the stunning Mount Ruapehu, where they learnt all about the local history of the Maori people and the importance of the Whanganui River.

The run started from Raetihi early the following morning. The students were split into vans which contained two running groups of about four students. Each group then proceeded to run 5km sections of the river road five times throughout the day covering a grand total of 50km of the Whanganui River. They were then welcomed onto a Marae in Jerusalem where they spent the night relaxing and recovering for another long day of running ahead of them.

Day 2 of the run had the students repeat the same distance to finally reach the finish line at the top of a long climb known locally as the Gentle Annie. Spectacular views greeted them as they all basked in their collective achievement. A fantastic Christmas feast awaited all participants back in Cullinane College, with even Santa Clause himself making an appearance to hand out prizes. The students all enjoyed the fine dining and music with their new friends from the different Marist schools from around New Zealand.

The boys were an absolute credit to their school both on and off the running track. They showed incredible heart and determination, all in aid of raising money for local Maori settlements along the river to help the children have the same opportunities as themselves. A trip they will certainly never forget!