As of a few months ago, a kilometre or two was about all Sharman Williams would clock up if she got out for a run.

Come November, the 28-year-old will get into position at the start line of the New York City Marathon with 42 kms in front of her, and a couple of legendary Australian sportspeople by her side.

Williams is one of 12 Indigenous Marathon Foundation squad members joined on the team by AFL legend Lance Franklin and NRL champion Johnathan Thurston in 2025.

The Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta, Bundjalung and Meriam woman and new entrant into the world of long-distance running said she's doing it not just for herself, but also for the "ripple effect".

Williams heard about IMF from previous graduates. She saw it as an opportunity to inspire the boarders she works with at AFL Cape York Girls House in Cairns.

"It wasn't something that I thought I could do, just because I didn't have any running experience. But my cousin wanted me to do a trial with him, and so I went along," she told National Indigenous Times.

"I did two weeks of training before the trial. I've luckily made the squad,"

The foundation helps the squad prepare for their US challenge with nutritionists, physio and support while the runners get to work building their distance.

Williams was after a new challenge and "needing something more for myself" when she got involved.

"Once I joined, got selected, my life became bigger," she said.

"I wanted to learn more about leadership, stepping into those roles. And to do that I had to challenge myself, prove to myself that I can do hard things so then I can lead by example, for my community, my family.

"For others to think 'If she can do it, I can too'. We need that visible strength in our communities."

It's particularly important for the girls she works with day to day.

"I want them to look up to me, to be inspired, and to have that ripple effect."

IMF was born in 2015 out of the Indigenous Marathon Project, which has seen 156 graduates complete major marathons around the world.

Founder and former world marathon champion and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Robert de Castella says the impact the organisation can have extends well beyond running.

Newly-appointed inaugural IMF Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chief Officer Charlie Maher became the first Indigenous athlete to complete the New York City Marathon in 2010.

Mahar was quickly followed by Caleb Hart, Juan Darwin and Joseph Davies on the day.

It was an early success for what de Castella said was originally about identifying athletic talent, before things quickly changed to looking at a bigger picture.

"We stopped looking for athletic talent and really looked for young emerging leaders," de Castella told National Indigenous Times, "and the opportunity to take them on that journey, using running as a catalyst to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing."

"It's pretty simple, (running a marathon), just putting one foot in front of the other, but it's one of the hardest things that you'll do.

Mr de Castella said he is proud to see many of the graduates so far go through a transformational experience, step into leadership roles in their communities and have a bigger impact there.

As a non-Indigenous man, he's also happy seeing the wider country take notice of the feats achieved, dissolving a deficit narrative and celebrating the achievement and excellence.

Gold medal champion Cathy Freeman and Olympic boxer Brad Hore are former ambassadors to get involved with IMF.

In 2025, two more sporting icons joined the squad.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indigenous Marathon Foundation (@indigenousmarathonfoundation)

Legends in their respective codes of football, Franklin and Thurston ran the half marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon earlier this month they prepare to go twice the distance in the US at the end of this year.

IMF are attempting to raise $1 million for their programs before the November race.

They've brought Supply Nation-registered creative agency SILK in on the fundraising campaign, with a documentary in works as the squad gets into their work.

"I think it brings a really massive non-Indigenous audience to the foundation's work. And I think that that provides us with that platform, again, to reach more Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians," de Castella said.

Buddy and JT have been great supports to their teammates so far, Williams told National Indigenous Times, "and hopefully it'll inspire more people than like, the word will get out, and all people want to join or run".

Williams has ticked off a 10km run in Canberra as well as the half marathon on the Gold Coast.

For anyone thinking about giving it a crack next year, she had a message.

"I started with no experience, and they give you all the tools and the support that you need to gain that experience and get better," Williams said.

"It's more than just the running. It's more than the marathon. It's about finding yourself, becoming a leader, gaining that confidence."