A group of young Catholics who competed in this year’s Hobart Marathon say faith and friendship were their inspiration, getting them across the finish line of the 42.2km course in just under four hours. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
Vincent Parr, an employee of the Hobart Archdiocese, and his friends Max Hodge and Renz Tabangay, trained hard in the lead-up to the marathon on April 12.
“It felt amazing crossing the line at the end of what seemed like forever,” Mr Parr said.
“After putting in 50-60kms a week of training leading up to the marathon, it was great knowing that the all the hard work had paid off.”
Wrapped around one of his hands throughout the entire marathon were his Rosary beads.
“I hold Rosary beads when I run as it reminds me that Mary is with me holding my hand, and that I can overcome any challenge by asking for her assistance,” Mr Parr said.
Renz Tabangay, President of the Catholic Students’ Society at the University of Tasmania, said he had never competed in a marathon before.
“I was feeling doubtful, but I gained confidence when I recalled the prayers from parishioners and my inner circle,” he said.
“The last stretch of the race was painful, and in the midst of giving up I offered up a rosary to end the race.
“As I was about to finish the last decade of the rosary, Vinnie Parr ran past me. Without hesitation, I started to slowly run again, though I was in so much pain. I wanted to finish the race with my friend. We ran and encouraged each other and at last finished the race together.”
The group of young Catholics have run with each other on a regular basis since last year when a social run was organised by the Office for Youth Evangelisation.
“Each running event I take part in I will offer up for the Souls in Purgatory and the conversion of sinners,” Mr Parr said.
“I find that during a race is the perfect opportunity to add in a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially during the marathon when I am running for so long.”
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Faith and friendship help young Catholics cross the finish line (By Catherine Sheehan, Hobart Archdiocese)
