Amelia Telford prepares for NYC Marathon

LISMORE runner Amelia Telford has been selected for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s (IMF) 2024 squad and is gearing up to compete in the prestigious New York City Marathon this November.Founded by runner Robert de Castella in 2009, Telford said that her selection to the IMF 2024 squad had been an exceptional experience.

“I read about the IMF for the first time when I was in high school and was part of the Lismore Running Group at the time,” she said.

“I had applied and tried out multiple times over the years, but this year felt different as I turned 30, which meant it was the last year I would be eligible.

“When I got the phone call from our coach the day before my birthday, I couldn’t hold back the tears.

“I am inspired by so many of the young mob who have taken on this challenge and shown the world how deadly blackfellas are,” she said.

As a part of her current training regimen, Telford ran the 10 km race in the Melbourne Marathon Festival last week, in which she smashed her personal best, crossing the finish line in just over 46 minutes.

“I’m really proud of this run and loved sharing the course with heaps of other mob.

“It was deadly and just goes to show how much the training and hard work is paying off,” she said.

With the NYC Marathon imminent, Telford is excited about the event.

“Runners worldwide dream of running the NYC Marathon, so it feels pretty special to not only have the opportunity to do this, but to do it alongside other blackfellas,” she said.

“I feel really lucky that my partner and two stepdaughters will be there. I can’t wait to see their faces whilst I’m out running the course.”

The proud Bundjalung and South Sea islander woman lives and works in Melbourne as Chief of Partnerships and First Nations Justice at the non-profit Australian Progress. She is also co-founder of the First Nations-led organisation Common Threads.

Telford admits she is frequently homesick but takes every opportunity to talk about the beauty of Bundjalung country.

“I don’t get to visit as much as I’d like, but because most of my running experience before IMP was at home during high school, it means a lot to me to reconnect with running again,” she said.

“I often reflect on that time and dream of all the places and people I love.”

Telford believes running is a highly democratic sport in which the entire community can participate.

“As blackfellas, we have so many incredible athletes who have represented our mob on national and international stages, but what’s cool about running is that anyone and everyone can get involved,” she said.

“It’s incredible to see young and old, parents, kids, friends, neighbours and even strangers cheering each other on. “Whether joining a training run, riding a bike alongside, offering water and support along the way, or even watching from afar, there’s a place for everyone.”

For more information, visit imf.org.au