The annual event plays host to 370 different teams from across Australia, all pushing their bodies and vehicles to the limits.

Damascus College is again making the pilgrimage, with 32 pupils ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 involved in designing and building electric, hybrid and Human Powered vehicles for the 24-hour race. 

Damascus Science and Technology teacher Mark McLean said the engineering involved in the vehicles was the focus of the weekend, not just the physical feats.

“They’ve chosen to physically train since March this year,” he said.

“But they’ve also put in 2200 student hours into designing and building these trikes in the workshop.

“Students have been working weekdays and weekends this year, with finishes past midnight this week. They’re very enthusiastic.”

The RACV Energy Breakthrough is a major event for Maryborough, with 8,000 spectators causing the population to almost double across the four day event.

Mr McLean said there was an emphasis on personal growth within the team, which crossed age groups, genders and interests. 

“For them it’s about building people,” he said. “They want to win, but they’re not directly focused on the win, they’re focused on each other.”

“We have a policy that while I supervise, the kids write up their own racing rosters, hydration schedules and organise their pit crew. 

“They manage it all themselves, it’s part of their growth and is a chance for leadership. We have such ingenious young people.”

The 2017 RACV Energy Breakthrough is the 27^th ​edition of the marathon race.

This year’s event includes the first team ever from the Northern Territory, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pupils from Alice Springs making the 4,200km return journey.

The time trial which decides grid placement takes place today, before the 24-hour trial for secondary schools and energy efficient vehicles at 1pm tomorrow.