Acting Deputy Head of College News
Mr Phill Holding
Walkathon 2025
This year’s Walkathon, scheduled for Sunday 10 August 2025, is quickly approaching. For this reason we are writing to let you know how you may be able to support this proud long-standing Marist tradition which continues to be our largest Marist Family event of the year. Proudly partnering with our neighbours, the Australian Defence Force and Gallipoli Barracks.
In keeping with College tradition, the Walkathon is set to raise funds for the Marist College Ashgrove Parents and Friends Association who will use the funds to support the College to enhance facilities and improve the educational journey for all Marist College Ashgrove students now and into the future. In recent years funds have contributed to upgrades to the Flats fields, fans in the Champagnat Centre mezzanine, the purchase of the College Coffee Van, upgrades to the Music Centre, and upgrades to playground basketball facilities and upcoming upgrade to Cameron Oval change rooms. This year, we are excited to announce that funds raised from this year’s Walkathon will go towards shade and seating areas for students and spectators.
Student participation on Sunday 10 August 2025 is compulsory. All students will be required to walk the 10km course however if a student cannot complete the course due to medical or mobility reasons and they wish to participate, they are able to complete the 4km All Abilities Course. If for any reason your son cannot attend, please ensure that you communicate this with his Head of House or the Year 5-6 Pastoral Leader prior to the event. Any student unable to walk on the day will be expected to complete the Make-Up Walkathon on Tuesday afternoon, 12 August.
As in past years, family members are invited to join in the walking. This year we are excited to be able to offer an All-Abilities route through the Barracks. If you or members of your family would like to join either the full walk (10km) or the All-Abilities Walk (4km), please register here before 9am Friday 8 August.
Parent and guardian help is very important in running the Walkathon and any assistance you can provide on the day will be greatly appreciated. Please register here before 9am Friday 8 August.
Fundraising will be achieved through community sponsorship of students participation in the Walkathon. Students are encouraged to collect sponsorship to walk on the day through a cashless donation system where parents, family and friends can donate online. All students will have access to donation cards, displaying the donation link and QR code to share with family and friends.
Please encourage your sons to consider how they might help raise money over the coming weeks. You may also choose to email the electronic donation invitation, sent with this letter, to friends and family.
The following prizes will be awarded:
| Competition | Prize | Conditions | Announced |
| Major Prize | Major Prize to be confirmed
| Assembly 20 August | |
| Primary best fancy dress | $50 tuckshop voucher | Years 5-6 | After Battle of the Bands |
| Secondary best fancy dress | $50 tuckshop voucher | Years 7-12 | After Battle of the Bands |
| Community best fancy dress | $50 Eftpos voucher | Parents, Carers, Staff, other non-student community attendees | After Battle of the Bands |
| Completing the Walkathon | Primary students will go into a draw for lunch with Primary Admin | Years 5-6 | Assembly 20 August |
| Students who raise $150 or more | Sports ball $20 Rebel Voucher | Years 5 - 6 Years 7-12 | Email to individuals |
| Pastoral Group with the most funds raised | Pizza party | Years 7-12 | Assembly 20 August |
| Primary class with the most funds raised | Pizza party | Years 5-6 | Assembly 20 August |
| Logo competition entry to promote 2026 Walkathon | All entries - stress ball
Shortlisted entrants - sports ball
Winner $50 tuckshop voucher with logo used to promote 2026 Walkathon | Competition details will be published separately Entries welcome Years 5-12 Closes 5pm Friday 1 August | Assembly 13 August |
Parents and family members who are not into walking, are invited to relax at the Grandstand and enjoy a coffee and our quality canteen products whilst you get ready to enjoy the mighty Battle of The Bands. More details about the Battle of the Bands competition will be released closer to the day.
Below is an overview of the Walkathon & Battle of the Bands:
| TIME | COLLEGE WALKATHON |
| From 7.45 am | Students to arrive and check in using student ID card |
| 8.00 am | Fancy dress competition judging (Primary School in Primary Courtyard; Secondary School at Podium) |
| 8.15 am | Years 5, 6 and 12 House Leaders depart from St Marcellin Centre |
| 8.30 am | Years 7-12 students depart from the Podium |
| From 9.15 am | Students will start returning to the College. |
| 9.30 am | Battle of the Bands commences |
| 11.00 am | All students should have completed the Walkathon and have left the Barracks |
| 11.50 am | Battle of the Bands judging and finish |
Important information for walkers:
- We require names of all walkers (except Marist College Ashgrove students who will register through the school).
- Both courses potentially have some uneven/unstable grounds.
- The All-Abilities course will be conducted on closed roads within the Barracks
- Pets and recreational mobility (bikes, scooters, skateboards etc) devices are not permitted.
- Prams and mobility aids (such as wheelchairs) are welcome on the All-Abilities course only.
- There will be no vehicle transportation within the Base (unless in case of emergency).
- Please wear appropriate footwear, clothing and sun protection, and bring a water bottle.
- Please make appropriate consideration of your health, fitness and capabilities in your decision to register as a walker.
Thanking you in anticipation of your valued support of the tradition of the Marist College Ashgrove Walkathon. We look forward to a fun-filled day for our students and family members.