Bodalla’s Wade Mongta has faced his toughest challenge as part of the 2016 Indigenous Marathon Squad, making it through a gruelling 30km test run through the desert terrain of Alice Springs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sunday’s run was another big step in the group’s preparation for the New York City Marathon in November.
Final selection for the New York marathon is determined by those runners who have shown commitment to their training and who finish the 30km test run, but it also hinges on completion of their education component, a Certificate III in Fitness.
Wade Mongta took time to reflect and savour the moment during the run.
“The one moment in time where everything just stopped and life stood still and our lives were changed forever,’’ Wade said. “One of the best days of my life.’’
One of the best days of my life
- Wade Mongta
Indigenous Marathon Project founder and director Robert de Castella said it was a fantastic final camp.
“Everyone knows that a marathon is tough, but these young Indigenous men and women have, in just five months, gone from virtually no running to now being ready to run the biggest marathon in the world, in the biggest city in the world, on the other side of the world,’’ Rob said.
“Each was selected for IMP based on their personal stories, passion and drive. They have all shown that a person with a powerful purpose is an unstoppable force.
“Today they ran further than ever before, and have all completed their IMP education, with a Cert III in Fitness, coaching and first aid certificates.
“In doing this, they have earned the opportunity to represent themselves, family, community and Australia in New York, and follow in the footsteps of the 53 other IMP Graduates since 2010.’’
The squad was inspired and supported by former IMP Graduates including Dwayne Jones, a member of the 2015 squad who’s currently training for the Athens marathon in November; and Ruth Wallace of Adelaide, and Sarah Carmody of Alice Springs, both members of the 2014 squad.
The graduates are an integral part of the camp, sharing their personal stories of adversity and triumph, and encouraging the runners over the 30km distance. For IMP’s new head coach Adrian Dodson-Shaw, a 2014 graduate, the Alice camp was a chance to see the squad in action and help them turn their dreams into reality.
“Alice Springs camp was a huge success as all runners crossed the finish line looking strong,’’ Adrian said. ‘’It’s the first time in IMP history that we will be taking a full squad to New York.”
All members of the squad will meet again in Sydney for pre-departure camp in early November before flying out to New York for the November 6 marathon.
