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Emma to run the Boston Marathon for her Rembarrnga and Jawoyn family
Marathon runner Emma Cameron, centre, with her runing mates Tim Rowe and Nadine Hunt after the Stromlo run. Image supplied by Laura Oldfield
by Rhonda Hagan A gutsy 30 km run by Emma Cameron in the Stromlo Running Festival earlier this year has earned her a spot on the starting line for the world famous Boston Marathon on April 15. Speaking to the First Nations Telegraph recently Emma, 31, said she was proud to be running nationally and internationally as a representative of her people in west Arnhem Land. “My mob are the Rembarrnga in West Arnhem Land and Jawoyn from the Katherine region,” a proud Emma said. “To be a runner it takes dedication and commitment and belief in yourself to run long distances competitively. “During my tryouts for the Rob de Castella marathon squad I was out injured so I couldn’t run. But after I got physio and got back on my feet and did the training I ran well and now find myself in the Boston marathon team.” Project Director, Rob de Castella
who has been mentoring Emma as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project squad since she was selected in March last year said he was overwhelmed by what Emma had achieved. “12 months ago Emma didn’t know much about marathon running and never believed that she could have conquered 30km and be on track to run her first marathon,” he said. “The self-belief and determination Emma carried with her throughout the run, even when it got hard and she wanted to stop, was amazing and to see that in our athletes is what IMP is all about.” While in Canberra Emma was also the first 2012 squad member to receive her Certificate IV in Health and Leisure. Emma returned to Darwin after the Stromlo Running Festival where she continued training before flying out for the marathon on April 15. Emma is also a big fan of her mentor de Castella and attributes her success to his down to earth approach and encouragement of all
the Indigenous runners. “Rob de Castella is a really great mentor,” Emma said. “He knows what he is talking about and is always willing to provide advice and support. He’s very down to earth and easy to talk to. He’s a very easy man to approach.” Emma works full time as a Finance Assistant and Personal Assistant to the Director for the Malaluka Refugee Centre in Darwin and praised the organisation for their support. “They’ve been very supportive of me even to the extent of organising a fundraiser. The Darwin based athlete who conquered the gruelling Stromolo course complete with challenging hills and rugged terrain said she was happy just to finish the race. “The run was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, especially with all the hills, and the steep terrain made it really hard to get into a rhythm,” she said. “I am feeling really good about Boston now and I am confident that I can get through the 42km.
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