Fun-run for NAIDOC Week

AT the close of NAIDOC Week, a group of young Ballarat residents took on the Moneghetti track to raise funds for the Indigenous Marathon Project.

The initiative supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to train and race in some major international marathons including New York, Boston, Tokyo and London.

The IMP is just one way the Indigenous Marathon Foundation aims to provide opportunities to Australia’s First Nations.

The growth of the foundation led to the expansion of three other programs including the Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition, FrontRunners and Deadly Running Australia.

In two teams, runners completed a lap around Lake Wendouree to collectively complete a marathon.

Fundraiser organiser Denby Walker said that despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing their supporter’s attendance, the event was a huge success.

“It’s a great cause that uses running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and achievement,” he said.

“I couldn’t begin to understand the racial prejudices Indigenous people face on a day to day basis in this country.

“But I know that I can commit to trying to engage and inform myself and others and do as much as possible to help bring change.”

Raising over $1600 for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, Mr Walker said both the running and the fundraising efforts were a success.

“It was a great turn out,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe the generosity people donated with and it was great to raise some funds for a great cause.”

Donations can be made at imf.org.au.