Kimberley runners building confidence and inspiring communities through Indigenous Marathon Project

Two Kimberley runners are hoping to inspire their communities after their selection in the Indigenous Marathon Project squad.

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation selects a group of young Indigenous men and women, aged between 18 and 30, to take part in the world-famous New York Marathon in November each year.

This year, from around 130 applications, Karajarri man Wynston Shovellor-Sesar and Lungka Kija man Seymoure Farrer were chosen for the 12-person squad.

«I've seen, over the years, previous participants and the positive changes it made in their lives,» Mr Farrer said.

«I've been struggling with mental health.

»I want to build a lot more confidence and a healthier lifestyle, so I can come back to my community and show people what I've learnt."

For Mr Shoveller-Sesar, joining the squad was a long-held ambition.

«I had a couple of attempts to apply … in the past. I just had to jump at it,» he said.

Head coach Damian Tuck said Mr Shovellor-Sesar's application stood out.

«He's got leadership written all over him,» Mr Tuck said.

All 12 runners are hoping to serve as an example to their communities.

«They want to be role models,» Mr Shovellor-Sesar said.

«There are so many social issues in and around Broome.

»I wanted to get fit [and] improve my healthy lifestyle, while also trying to demonstrate and influence the community."

Mr Farrer also hoped to motivate others.

«No matter what you are going through, there's always a positive somewhere, and that somewhere for me is finding this program,» he said.

«Keep trying and there's always a positive.»

Mr Tuck said the program has always been about more than running.

"[Graduates] have this real ripple effect," he said.

The 2022 squad will complete a Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership and Health