Indigenous runners on the radar

Broome residents have their chance to break into the Indigenous Marathon Project squad as the national search arrives at Haynes Oval at 5pm tomorrow.

The hunt for 2017 squad members started in Canberra this month when former world champion runner and IMP founder Rob de Castella and head coach Adrian Dodson-Shaw put out a national call for young indigenous men and women to join the team.

“There’ll be some pretty exciting times ahead as we begin the national IMP 2017 try-out tour,’’ Mr Dodson-Shaw said.

“It’s going to be a busy two months on the recruitment drive, but I’m looking forward to meeting the applicants and choosing the next squad to take on the New York City Marathon.”

As part of the program, participants will be expected to take on the NYCM and complete a Certificate III in Fitness, first-aid and CPR qualification and Level 1 Recreational Running coaching accreditation.

The tour visits communities around the nation to select six men and six women, aged 18 to 30, after they have completed a 3-5km run and interview with the head coach.

Sixty-five participants have graduated from the organisation since 2010 in the spirit of celebrating indigenous resilience and success. IMP is supported by the Australian Government, Department of Health, Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport, Qantas, Asics and Accor.

Visit www.imf.org.au or Facebook page The Marathon Project.