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THE 24th RACV Energy Breakthrough has got off to a roaring start, with participants battling through the heat of the first two days to put their skills to the test.
The four-day event involves 350 school teams from all over Victoria competing in five categories, including pushcarts, innovation technology, triathlon events, human-powered vehicles and energy-efficient vehicles.
Some races go for a few seconds while others take place across a number of days.
Organisers say this year involved 4000 direct participants and 20,0000 spectators coming to the town to watch children zoom around the track.
Organising committee member Nigel Preston said it was a hugely popular event that was growing every year.
"We're bursting at the seams in terms of our capacity for the event, which is fantastic, and we keep putting out there and people keep wanting to come back," he said.
Mr Preston said the four-day event accounted for 15 to 20 per cent of Maryborough's annual tourism dollars and contributed $4.4 million to Maryborough's economy.
He said it offered a chance for children to celebrate their achievements.
"It's about bringing the school children together from across the state and interstate to celebrate what they've learnt throughout the year," he said.
To compete in the Energy Breakthrough, children must work with their teachers and industry leaders to construct team vehicles.
They then practice pedalling or driving their vehicles all year long, in anticipation of the big race.
But it's not just racing children are judged on.
Teams' final scores are a combination of track, display and design finesse, with the children being required to demonstrate their knowledge of how the vehicle operates.
The event started on Thursday and participants camped on Princes Park, where the race took place.
As well as the races there was swimming at the nearby pool, a carnival, and an exhibition.