Blake's Journey: From Novice to World Marathon Competitor

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For a long time, Blake Griffith felt like he was constantly fleeing from the challenges of life.

“I’ve had quite a journey with my mental health, experiencing days and even stretches of time where I completely withdrew from the world,” he shared with NITV.

“There were days I struggled just to get out of bed and manage basic self-care.”

But things are very different for the Kunjen and Yorta Yorta man these days, discovering a love of running.

“Running is so empowering, it’s so freeing. You’ve got your Country underneath you and the Mob always behind you supporting you as well.”

Now is preparing to run across the finish line at the world’s largest marathon, in New York City.

Yet, while the idea of trading the suburbs of Sydney for the bustling streets of Manhattan is intimidating, Griffith, lacking any long-distance running experience, finds it a profound challenge.

‘Run, sweat, inspire’

Griffith forms part of the 12-person Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) squad.

He was selected from a cohort of more than 320 applicants for the six-month health, well-being and leadership program.

‘Run, sweat, inspire’: that’s the mantra that embodies this year’s IMP squad and also the mission of the Foundation, which was established by world marathon champion, Robert de Castella, in 2009.

Within a year of its inception, four racers had already created history as the first Indigenous runners to compete in New York City.

Four First Nations men stand smiling with medals on their neck, after completing the 2010 New York City Marathon. They are joined by Indigenous Marathon Foundation founder, Robert de Castella.

In 2010, Andy Warton, Joseph Davies, Juan Darwin, and Caleb Hart became trailblazers as the first Indigenous runners to complete the New York City Marathon. Credit: Indigenous Marathon Foundation

The operation has only scaled up since then.

“It doesn’t matter how fast or how slow they go, when they go to the starting line, they commit … and that’s incredible to see,” said de Castella.

The founder also believes training for a marathon is a test in mental fortitude.

“Pain can make you stronger; it offers a chance to reflect on your purpose and motivations, a way to justify enduring some discomfort and hardship.”

A vehicle towards change

A proud Gunggandji man, Jack Stevens is a former graduate of the program and this year’s Head Coach and Program Manager, responsible for managing squad training.

“IMP isn’t like a traditional marathon training program where you’ve got 12 or 18 months to get ready for the marathon distance,” said Stevens.

Proud Gunggandji man, Jack Stevens smiles after completing the New York City Marathon in 2023. He holds up a medal on his neck.

Jack Stevens embarked on his marathon journey in 2023, finishing his first 42km race in New York that year. He mentioned that running has become a constant part of his life ever since. Credit: Jack Stevens

“We take people with no running experience whatsoever to train up and complete their first marathon in under six months too.”

When asked why he was drawn to running, Stevens’ answer was simple – it’s faster than walking.

“Recognizing that issues like chronic disease and various other health challenges impact our communities, and if we only walked towards change, our progress would be too slow.”

“We use running as the vehicle or the catalyst to get there faster.”

From run leaders, to racers, Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters of the organisation, de Castella believes those involved with IMP, “want to run side by side with … Indigenous Australia.”

“They don’t want to be in front, they don’t want to be behind. They want to be side by side.”

For Griffith, who is preparing for the November marathon the focus is not on how he’ll finish the race, but why he’s running in the first place.

“I’m very excited to go across the world and show how deadly our peoples are.

“We can set big goals. We can run marathons. We can do pretty much anything we set our mind to.”