Indigenous Marathon Project head coach Adrian Dodson-Shaw says it's not too late for western NSW residents to apply for the life-changing initiative.
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No applicants showed up for Monday's trial at Dubbo's Lady Cutler Ovals, which left Dodson-Shaw understandably disappointed.
He had hoped to see some western NSW residents looking to follow in the footsteps of 2018 graduates John Hill (Dubbo) and Michaela Skuthorpe (Brewarrina).
"You want to keep that ripple effect in and around the region so it is disappointing in some sense," Dodson-Shaw said.
"But you never know - there might be someone turning up in Sydney who's from out there."
The coach - himself a graduate of the project in 2014 - urged people to get to the try-out in Sydney (March 30) for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Those selected for the project train for six months to tackle the New York Marathon, as well as other education and training.
"I started the project from Broome. I tried out when I was 28 and again with I was 30 and thankfully I got selected," Dodson-Shaw said.
"I went on and did the New York Marathon, I did the North Pole Marathon, went to Chile and did the Volcano Marathon and last year I did the Chicago Marathon.
"It's cool where it can lead you, but unless you take that step you'll never know … I'm doing something that I love, but it's all because of having the courage to do it."
Only 12 people - six men and six women - are selected for the project each year from across Australia.
In addition to training for, and completing, the New York marathon, participants complete a Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation, a Level 1 Recreational Running Coach Accreditation through Athletics Australia, CPR and first-aid qualifications, and media training.
The project aims to empower and inspire those who take part to become healthy lifestyle ambassadors in their own communities.
Applications are still open, with trials still scheduled in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
MARCH DATES:
- Saturday, March 9 – PORT MACQUARIE NSW. 4pm, Town Green, Horton Street
- Thursday, March 14 – ELCHO ISLAND NT. 5.30pm, Community Football Oval
- Saturday 16 March – MANINGRIDA NT. 8am, Community Football Oval
- Sunday 17 March – DARWIN NT. 5.30pm, outside Darwin Military Museum
- Monday 18 March – GOVE NT. 5.30pm, Community Football Oval
- Friday 22 March – TOOWOOMBA QLD. 8am, Stuart St, Harlaxton (South Toowoomba Bombers AFL Oval)
- Saturday 23 March – BRISBANE QLD. 12.30pm, QSAC Track, Kessels Road, Nathan, Mount Gravatt
- Friday 29 March – CAIRNS QLD. 8am, Esplanade – Pirate Ship
- Saturday 30 March – SYDNEY NSW. 5.30pm, Redfern Oval
- Sunday 31 March – NEWCASTLE NSW. 8am, Empire Park – Bar Beach
"You just never know - look at the … John Hill - a 17-year-old that did school, finished his year 12 in amongst his boxing and doing IMP," Dodson-Shaw enthused. "Running a New York Marathon is pretty significant for someone doing year 12. And then Michaela from Brewarrina, she drove into Dubbo. She was committed to do it.
"That's the biggest thing with the project - you've just got to turn up and give it a try, if you think it's something you might want to do."
Trials include a 5km run for the men and 3km for the women, followed by an interview with the head coach.
For more information - including more trial dates - visit www.imf.org.au/imp/ or contact Adrian Dodson-Shaw at adrian.ds@imf.org.au or 0427 308 500.
