Running to America is part of a new, exciting and challenging Indigenous Marathon and Distance Running program started by Rob de Castella and SmartStart for Kids.

Never before has there been a pathway for Indigenous youth with Marathon and endurance talent, aspirations and determination.  Running to America is about offering Indigenous kids that may not have the speed and explosive power to excel at AFL, ARL, Boxing and Sprinting, the chance to take on the best, win, and travel the world.

Approximately six Indigenous youths, aged between 18 and 30 will be identified in 2010 and trained to compete in the 2010 New York marathon in November.  Each runner will be supported by our Marathon Coach, John Bell, and will work under Rob de Castella’s watchful eye and direction.

We have recently conducted interviews and talent testing with applicants in the Northern Territory and WA.

We have received wonderful support from the FACSHIA, the Australian Federal Police, the NT Police, the Clontarf Foundation, Athletics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission’s Indigenous Sports and the State and Territory Sports Development Officers, all who are assisting us in recruiting and then supporting these kids on this amazing journey.

The journey will be filmed and a three part documentary series will be produced by Goodoil Films with renowned Producer Jen Peedom (Producer of “Miracle on Everest” and “Solo”).

Rob believes that, maybe, we can find an Australian Indigenous runner to take to the very top of interneational elite marathon running.  Indigenous history is full of amazing endurance achievements and feats, from ‘message sticks’ to hunting and tracking.  The talent is there, Running to America is about seeing if we just can find it, support and encourage it, and give it the opportunity to flourish.

Runners from the sqaud have recently participated in the Australia Day fun run in Darwin and a new event at Santa Teresa (about 80k outside of Alice Springs).  You can see SBS story on these events at Living Black on http://player.sbs.com.au/naca/#/naca/living_black/Latest/playlist/Marathon-Effort/

For more information on this exciting project and how you can get involved please visit www.themarathonproject.com.au