Indigenous Marathon Project squad ready to conquer New York City Marathon

Rhiannon Clarke Published October 3, 2024 at 1.30pm (AWST)

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Indigenous Marathon Project squad members at Simpsons Gap. (Image: Korey Summers Photography)

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) has announced its 2024 Indigenous Marathon Project squad, who will be heading to the the United States of America to compete in the iconic TCS New York City Marathon.

This year is special, marking 15 years of the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), a program that has changed the lives of 142 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants since it began in 2009.

This year's squad, made up of inspiring individuals from across the country, has already achieved numerous accomplishments in just five months of training.

The team includes Larrakia, Wadjigan, Yawuru and Erub Islander women Ella Jarman (NT), Cobble Cobble women Brooke Carson (QLD) and Boigu Islander and Tokelauan man Pio Kelemete.

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Worimi man Dakota Manton (NSW) and Wiradjuri and Ngemba man Jye Muuray and Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta women Beth Cooper (ACT) also feature in this year's squad.

Victoria has three representatives heading to New York under the Indigenous Marathon Projects (IMP) banner, including Yorta Yorta man Koolyn Briggs, Bunuba and Kitja women Della Bedford and Bundjalung and South Sea Islander women Millie Telford.

Rounding out the Squad are Tasmanian Wiradjuri women Angelica Gee (TAS), Yamatji and Noongar man Shannon Stack (WA) and Adnyamathanha, Yamatji, Kuyani and Dieri (SA).

Many participants joined the IMP squad with little to no running experience, however they've shown incredible perseverance, resilience, and heart as they gear up for one of marathon running's biggest stages.

The 2024 Indigenous Marathon Foundation's Indigenous Marathon Project squad will compete in the New York City Marathon next month. (Image: IMP Grad)

The final squad selection for New York wasn't just about running. Those chosen were selected after showing dedication to their training, proven by completing a 30km test run in Alice Springs.

Participants have also completed an education and leadership component, designed to give them the confidence and skills to make a lasting impact in their communities when they return.

With only five weeks to go until the November 3 race, the 2024 IMP Squad is now focusing on the final phase of their preparation.

They're working hard on endurance, nutrition, and pushing their limits, all while staying connected to their "why" – the reason that will help drive them to the finish line.

IMF Founder and Director, Robert de Castella AO MBE, expressed his pride in the squad, highlighting the program is more than running.

The 2024 squad will head to New York at the end of October, joining 50,000 runners from around the world for the race.

As IMF celebrate the 15th anniversary of this life-changing program, the Foundation says they can't wait to see this year's participants take on the challenge and inspire future generations.