TO RAISE money for new equipment for the newly amalgamated St Mary’s of Marlborough, the school held a triathlon at Marlborough College.

In partnership with Marlborough Rotary Club, Marlborough College welcomed 90 pupils from the newly formed St Mary’s on Saturday. The children, aged five to 11, warmed up to take part in the swimming, running and cycling event, all eager to reach the finish line.

Rachel Haines, PE co-ordinator at St Mary’s said: “There were four levels of difficulty for the children to take part in, so that means four different levels of swimming, running and cycling. The weather was fabulous. It was an important event for us as it was the first one we have held since the schools joined together. It was a sponsored event so we can buy anything we need for the school, such as new PE equipment.”

The idea to hold the triathlon was brought to fruition from the president of the Marlborough District Rotary Club, Sally Wolfenden, who arranged the use of the sports facilities at Marlborough College as well as showing the club’s support on the day.

“The day wouldn’t have been possible without all of the support from the volunteers, parents and staff were a massive help in running the event. All of the children were very happy and had a great time, members of the Rotary club were at the end handing out medals which was lovely,” added Mrs Haines.

Mrs Wolfenden had the idea earlier in the year, and as a volunteer at St Mary’s since the start of September, helped to organise the event.

Mrs Wolfenden said: “It was a really successful event, we have been asked if it is something we will do next year. The Rotary helped organise it and paid for the medals. We didn’t want the children having to pay for any of the infrastructure of the triathlon.

“As we Rotarians are getting older we are looking for younger people that we can help with our know-how so we can do things like this. Usually we do things with secondary schools in the Pewsey area, but as Marlborough and District Rotary I thought we would do more things in the town, I want to increase that this year.”