Sport
28 February, 2026
Fast, fun and flipped: Secondary school’s reverse triathlon raises $1K for STEM
This was all in the name of raising $1,000 for the St Arnaud Secondary College’s Energy Breakthrough teams that will travel to Maryborough in November.
UNDER bright summer skies and with plenty of community spirit on show, more than 50 competitors flipped the traditional triathlon format on its head earlier this month.
Participants took on the unique reverse course, beginning with a 7km run before jumping on their bikes for a 15km ride and finishing strong with a 350m swim.
This was all in the name of raising $1,000 for the St Arnaud Secondary College’s Energy Breakthrough teams that will travel to Maryborough in November.
The concept for the fundraiser was led by College vice captain Millie Hando with support from teachers Nicole Summerfield and Jon Western, an effort principal Tony Hand said the school was proud of.
“The day was a wonderful success with a considerable number of entrants in both the individual and team events,” he said,
“The event certainly created interest and had a huge following on the day. I think most competitors would agree that the course provided plenty of challenges and an opportunity to shine.”
The event is also a callback to one similar 11 years ago.
Ms Hando said the team was grateful for the support from the community.
“Thank you to the volunteers who did an amazing job making sure that the event ran smoothly, we couldn’t have done it without it,” she said.
“We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support of our event.
“A special thank you to: Betta home living, Ideal Performance, IGA St Arnaud, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre, Lyal Eales Stores St Arnaud, Torneys Fighting Fit, RAMJAC, The Shire Café and Country Kitchen.”
For the Energy Breakthrough event, students spend the year designing, building and testing their machines, using the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment.
They then head to Maryborough to demonstrate and trial them.
EVENT WINNERS
Individual:
Junior High School (Years 7-9): Lewis Lowe
Senior High School (Years 10-12): Tyler Medlyn
Women’s: Hannah Mika
Men’s: Jake Donaldson
Team:
Junior High School (Years 7-9): Noah Hando, Finn Green and Finn Evans
Senior High School (Years 10-12): Max Ezard, Ned Ezard and Riley Peacock
Men’s - Owen Lowe, Austin Lowe and Lewis Lowe
Women’s: Jo Medlyn, Jess Maffesconi and Rie Sterndorff
Mixed: Annabel Melino, Joe Melino and Andrew Jesse.
Read More: St Arnaud