Faith and friendship help young Catholics cross the finish line

By Catherine Sheehan

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.

Vincent Parr, an employee of the Archdiocese of Hobart, and his friends Max Hodge and Renz Tabangay, trained hard in the leadup to the marathon which took place on Sunday 12 April.

Starting at 6am, runners follow the course on Hobart’s stunning waterfront, around Constitution Dock, the Salamanca Wharves, Battery Point, and along Sandy Bay Road beyond Wrest Point.

“It felt amazing crossing the line at the end of what seemed like forever,” Vincent 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.

“The marathon was a mental battle as well as a physical one. From 25km onwards there were many times where I was tempted to take a walking break, but I kept pushing and took each kilometre at a time.

“Once I made it over the line, I was quite tired and sore, but I think the joy of completing it made me forget how exhausted I actually was.”

Wrapped around one of his hands throughout the entire marathon was 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,” Vincent said.

Renz Tabangay, President of the Catholic Student’s Society at Utas, 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.”

Sandy Bay-Taroona parishioner, Max Hodge, said competing in the Hobart Marathon had been a goal of his since he started running three years ago.

“Another motivation was doing it with a good group of friends, pushing each other along,” Max said.

“This was my first marathon and longest run I have ever done at 42.2km.

“I was very satisfied being able to complete the whole race and had a sense of pride with all my training paying off on the big day.

“I could not have completed the run without my faith. At times I felt that I did not have the strength to continue but in those times I asked the Lord for strength and he delivered, he kept me going forward.”

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.

“We got a really good turnout and realised there was a lot of young Catholics who already enjoyed running,” Vincent said.

“From that, we entered a group of eight young Catholics into the 2025 City to Casino in May, and we have continued entering each fun run since.

“Each running event I take part in I will offer up for the Souls in Purgatory and the conversion of sinners. 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.”

Another competitor in this year’s Hobart Marathon was Bridgewater-Brighton Parish Priest, Fr Leo Zenarosa. Fr Leo has been an avid runner for several years and considers it a way of connecting with local people, as well as an opportunity to offer up prayers for others.

“This is my second marathon here in Hobart,” Fr Leo said. “I always run a half marathon with some of my parishioners and friends almost every year as my recreation and to meet others. However, joining a full marathon event needs a humble commitment and faith.

“Being able to offer my humble prayers while running for my parishioners here both the sick and deeply wounded in many ways is most important. Running is also my way of relaxing and enjoying life with my friends and my God.

“It’s very hard in the last 35-42km, but thinking of my faith in God and my parishioners who are sick and depressed and those who are in the hospital, it makes me inspired to do something and push harder.”

Any young adults interested in joining Vincent’s running group can contact him at vincent.parr@aohtas.org.au.