Marby150 Charity Run
For more than four decades, St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College have come together in a shared commitment to community, service and student wellbeing through the Maribyrnong 150 Charity Run. Now in its 45th year, this much-loved tradition has become one of the most significant events on both school calendars, bringing together students, staff, families and alumni in support of meaningful causes while fostering resilience, teamwork and school spirit.
What began as an ambitious relay run from Bendigo to Melbourne has evolved into the Marby 150, a twelve-hour charity relay held along the picturesque Maribyrnong River. Throughout the day, students from both colleges work together to collectively complete 150 kilometres, symbolising the original distance between Bendigo and Melbourne. The event challenges participants both physically and mentally while reinforcing the importance of community connection, perseverance and giving back to others.
Our reach extends far beyond the running track. Together, St Columba’s College and St Bernard’s College educate more than 2,600 students and engage a broad network of families, alumni, staff and supporters across Melbourne’s north-west and beyond. Through school publications, digital communications, social media channels and community networks, the Maribyrnong 150 connects with thousands of people each year. Sponsors benefit from meaningful exposure within two highly regarded educational communities while aligning their organisation with an event that promotes health, wellbeing, leadership and charitable giving. The enduring success of the Maribyrnong 150 is a testament to the strength of this partnership and the collective impact that can be achieved when communities come together for a common purpose.
2026 Marby150 Charity Run
Each year, the Maribyrnong 150 Charity Run provides students with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference beyond the finish line. In 2026, we’re proud to support the Sisters of Charity Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing hope, dignity and practical assistance to individuals and communities facing significant disadvantage across Australia. The Sisters of Charity Foundation supports people who often receive little or no assistance from traditional funding sources. Through community grants, tertiary scholarships, housing initiatives and support programs for survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery, the Foundation works to create pathways towards safety, stability and opportunity.
This year, funds raised through the Marby150 will contribute to programs supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. Many individuals arrive in Australia having fled conflict, persecution or hardship, often with no support networks, limited access to essential services and no secure place to call home. The challenges of navigating an unfamiliar system while rebuilding their lives can be overwhelming.
Through its partnership with the Asylum Seekers Centre and House of Welcome, the Sisters of Charity Foundation helps provide housing assistance, casework support and practical services for people seeking safety and stability. This support includes access to emergency accommodation, rental assistance, crisis payments and specialised case management for those facing complex circumstances.The Foundation’s support also extends to connecting individuals and families with essential services, including healthcare, mental health support, legal assistance and community networks. For people experiencing family violence or other forms of vulnerability, these programs can provide a critical pathway to safety, independence and belonging.
By supporting the Marby150, sponsors, donors and participants become part of a wider effort to create positive change in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities or for more information, reach out to our Sports Adminstrator at murtons@columba.vic.edu.au.
GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY
