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Indigenous Marathon Project graduate's inspirational journey

Safety and Wellbeing
Elsie Seriat (third from right) at the Honolulu Marathon with other members of the Indigenous Marathon Project

Congratulations to everyone chosen in the Indigenous Marathon Project’s (IMP) 2016 squad, who are in training for the New York Marathon later this year. Many squad members have been inspired by 2014 IMP graduate Elsie Seriat from the Torres Strait.

The 2016 Indigenous Marathon Project’s (IMP) squad has just been announced. Many squad members were inspired by the story of 2014 IMP graduate Elsie Seriat from the Torres Strait.

Only last year Elsie Seriat was a couch potato who never exercised but now, a New York Marathon veteran, she is the organiser of the inaugural Thursday Island Running Festival and is serving as an inspirational role model throughout the Torres Strait.

Elsie is a Wagadagum woman from the Migi Buai tribe of Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait with descent from the Kaurareg people of the Kaiwalagal Archipelago. She admits she hated running and didn't know what a marathon was until she saw an IMP ad looking for aspiring runners.

“I was inspired by the stories of IMP graduates, using running as a tool for positive change by battling chronic diseases like renal failure and diabetes,” Elsie said.

“I had never run much before the try-outs last year and I almost cried all the way from excitement and pain. I saw the other entrants stop running and I decided to challenge myself to run all the way to the finish.”

Elsie’s determination, leadership and commitment to make a change were the keys to her selection to the IMP training squad for the New York Marathon. Elsie started training for the big event and lost 20 kilograms in seven months. She started the TI Deadly Runners group with fellow Torres Strait Islander IMP member Harold Matthew to get other locals involved in running.

“Chronic diseases are a big part of life in Indigenous communities and I thought that if my community could see the positive changes that have happened to me since I started running they would stop eating and smoking, and start exercising,” Elsie said.

The TI Deadly Runners quickly climbed to 40 members, and led Elsie and Harold to organise the Thursday Island Running Festival. The event involves a half marathon, 10 kilometre and 5 kilometre races and a shorter dash for local children. 

“I organised the Running Festival to give members something to aim for,” Elsie said.

“We had 190 entrants, some from as far away as the mainland. There’s been an awesome change in people here and I want Thursday Island to become the healthiest island in Australia.

“Growing up I was always told that I will become a great leader and now I realise it is through running.”

Elsie is currently in training for the Honolulu marathon and then, along with ten ‘Deadly TI Runners’ she has encouraged, the Gold Coast Marathon later this year.

Elsie's advice to people needing motivation is simple.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. Put your body to the test and you will be surprised. Like Rob de Castella says, 'the harder the struggle the greater the reward,'” Elsie said.

Find out more

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that Indigenous people improve their health and enjoy the emotional and social wellbeing experienced by other Australians.

The Indigenous Marathon Project plays an important role in this commitment, encouraging Indigenous people to live healthier and more active lives.

If you are inspired by Elsie’s story and would like to hear more about how to get involved with the Indigenous Marathon Project, go to www.imf.org.au, email marathon@imf.org.au or call on (02) 6162 4750.