The Senior Students in Marino School celebrated their successful arrival to New Orleans on Friday 5th May. What began as a challenge to run from Dublin to London back in 2019 has flourished and become one of the most popular sporting activities in the school. The wide scope of our Running Programme has seen our students travel around Europe and as far East as Japan and West as New York.
Last week, the students completed the long distance journey from New York to New Orleans and celebrated in southern style. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the students ran, walked, or wheeled themselves towards their goal with the support of their peers and staff and the motivating sounds of their favourite songs pushing them onwards.
As part of their journey, they learned all about the culture, music, food and history of New Orleans and worked hard to create art to decorate the hall and prepare southern style food to throw an authentic New Orleans street party. Everything from spicy chicken, donuts, lemon cake and coffee from a New Orleans themed Jazz Café, transformed the hall into our very own French Quarter. And finally, to complete the authentic experience, the sound of Jazz played rhythmically in the background as everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labour.
Although the experience was a team effort and every student contributed towards the kilometres needed to reach New Orleans, special mention is given to Christopher Karagiorgis who was selected in a draw to carry the torch for the ceremonial last lap. As this will be Christopher’s last year in Marino School, the experience was particularly poignant for everyone.
Finally, thank you to everyone involved in the latest running adventure. Without the support of all the staff and students, the magic of our worldly travels would not exist. Your hard work and rich imaginations have carried us to yet another far flung place in the world. We look forward to another adventure in September as the students head south again to Mexico.