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Congratulations to Samantha Shepherd, 3 ^rd year Environmental Engineering student as she has been selected as one of four Indigenous women for the 2011 New York Marathon in November.   Following a series of trials, City to Surf races, and half marathons, Sam had her final test last weekend at Alice Springs in a 30 kilometre run.  Samantha is the only West Australian in the team and leaves Perth on November 1 with Rob de Castella, coaching staff and team members (both men and women's teams) to run the marathon in New York on November 6.   All staff and students at Shenton House wish her well!

Media Release from SmartStart (Indigenous Marathon Project):

In just five weeks Sam Shepherd from Karratha will be running in the toughest event of her life and the world's most famous foot race - The New York City Marathon.

Sam's journey to the Big Apple began just 6 months ago when Rob de Castella and his Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) conducted a National Try Outs Tour where the 20 year old was selected to form part of the 20 person squad. She has been training ever since under the guidance of the former world champion Rob de Castella and coach Tim Rowe for the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. Sam will be a part of the first ever-Indigenous women's team to run in the event.

On the weekend Sam secured her spot in the New York bound team after running a strong 30km test event in Alice Springs, and now she's packing her bags for an adventure of a lifetime. A world away from the quiet streets of Karratha, this inspiring young woman will be running alongside 45,000 other ambitious athletes and in front of 2.5 million cheering fans who line the streets of Manhattan Island to watch the wave of runners that 35million television viewers witness covering the 42km journey.

"I am honoured to represent the rest of the IMP squad in New York, and am grateful for this opportunity" Sam said. "Through my running family and friends are starting to change their habits also, which is just as important as finishing the marathon" she said. "Most of these men and women have witnessed firsthand the effects of chronic disease that plagues Indigenous communities" Mr de Castella said "and it's through providing these role models that shifts start to change on a local level."

Photo taken at start of Perth City to Surf in August 2011 (Samantha Shepherd in front and left of male athlete, Derek Hill)

To see an interview from the SBS Program Living Black featuring Sam, click here .

Media references

Gabrielle Garratt (School of Indigenous Studies) (+61 8) 6488 2467

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716