Sport + Motorsport
If you've taken part in a Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club event over the past 17 years, you've likely crossed paths with Mary Marshall - one of the club's unsung heroes, who has spent years quietly helping hundreds of athletes enjoy race day.
In sport, there are people that simply make things happen; who are forever putting their hand up to help out, who take care of the details and take on any role that needs doing. And they do it all with a smile and the humblest of shrugs, because that's just how they do things.
Well, that's Mary - not that she'd give any of it a second thought.
Mary's story with triathlon began later in life. At age 56, following a cancer scare, the idea of completing an Ironman spurred something in her that - unbeknownst to her - would go on to become a huge part of her life. An Ironman, just for perspective, is one of the most grueling physical challenges out there - a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and a marathon, all in one amazing day.
Starting virtually from scratch, Mary started swimming, then biking, then running, then putting it all together; largely with the support of locals already taking part in the sport. As it turns out, she was pretty good, and she went on to compete in the Triathlon World Championships in Auckland in 2012, in London in 2013, and qualified for Sweden in 2014, before then completing Ironman in 2015.
But Mary wasn't one to take support without giving it back; she put her hand up to join the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club committee instantly, going on to spend more than 17 years on the committee including 10 years in the secretary role (a role she still holds today), spending countless weekends volunteering at events, and being awarded a Life Membership of the club in 2025 in recognition of her dedication to the sport.
Mary is a big believer in giving back what you get.
"If you're a member of a club I think you need to volunteer, in return for that participation. It makes you a better participant because you know how things work, you see the effort that goes in behind the scenes," she says.
"I've got the time, I've got the skills, and I really see it as pay back for everything I've received."
When Mary thinks about the success of the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club, both in terms of the longevity of its events and how it all runs behind the scenes, a key theme is inclusiveness. The events welcome participants of all levels - from the brand new and the young, to the seasoned, experienced and elite competitors (although they're generally willing to lend a hand, too). Behind it all, Mary says there's a real sense of appreciation for the volunteers making it happen, and a camaraderie where everyone wants to pitch in.
Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club President Ginge Burnett says Mary dedicates countless hours behind the scenes, quietly taking care of the details that help the club run.
"The amount of time Mary puts in is incredible, and so much of it happens out of the spotlight," he says.
"Whether she's painstakingly updating our Constitution, writing letters of acknowledgement for our high school volunteers so they have references for future opportunities, or stepping up as Race Director for the Women's Duathlon, she approaches every task with real commitment. She's the kind of person who notices the things that need doing and simply gets on with them, and our club is all the stronger for it."
Mary is still highly active, running, swimming and biking whenever she can - more for fun and fitness than anything; standing by an ethos that continues to do her well: "You don't need to be the best - just be the best you can be."
It's clear Mary's best has, and continues to, make a lasting difference for the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club - and the hundreds of participants who turn up to enjoy race days.