INDIGENOUS MARATHON PROJECT'S ARIKA APPLEBY TO REPRESENT FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY IN NYC MARATHON
BY AMBER SAGGERS-NEPE AND MARLI RYAN
Arika Appleby, a proud member of the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), is preparing to take on the world’s largest marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon this November. The mother of two from Kelso, Queensland, is among the 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes selected to represent Australia and their communities in what will be a historic moment for First Nations participation in global sporting events.
Miss Appleby, who has faced the challenge of overcoming physical and mental barriers to reach this point, is determined to inspire her community and show that anything is possible with dedication and the courage to step outside of one’s comfort zone. Having joined the IMP at age 30, right before the program’s age cut-off, her journey is one of perseverance, passion, and leadership.
“I wasn’t a runner before joining the Indigenous Marathon Project,” she confessed. “I hated cardio, in fact. But I wanted to show my community, especially my kids, that we can do anything we put our minds to. I want them to know that it’s okay to try something new, even if it’s hard. That’s the message I want to send, to step out and have a go.”
Miss Appleby’s story is one of transformation. She recalls her first IMP camp where she could barely run 10 kilometers, and now, she’s conquering 30-kilometer training runs in preparation for the 42-kilometer race in New York. Despite the grueling physical demands of marathon training, She said the mental challenges have been the toughest.
“There are plenty of tears, but the mental battle is the hardest. It’s more exhausting fighting with myself in my mind than it is physically running,” she shared. But with each challenge, she finds strength and resilience. “When you’re done, you feel better for it. It’s a whole journey, and I’m just so excited to see where it leads.”
Miss Appleby’s excitement is palpable when she talked about carrying her culture and community with her to New York. As part of a broader legacy initiated by the first-ever Indigenous Australian to run the NYC Marathon, Charlie Mark, Appleby is eager to join the ranks of IMP athletes who have completed the marathon over the years, all while continuing to break barriers for Indigenous representation in international sports.
“I’ve never been overseas before, so this is going to be a lot of ‘firsts’ for me,” she admitted. “Running a marathon in New York and traveling overseas, it’s huge! But I feel empowered knowing that I’m carrying my culture with me, and that I’m showing my kids and community that we are strong and capable.”
The 2025 IMP Squad, will undergo a six-month leadership, health, and wellness journey, supported by former world marathon champion Robert de Castella and IMP’s Head Coach, Jack Stevens. This year’s squad was chosen from a record 323 applicants, a testament to the growing participation and interest in the program that aims to empower Indigenous Australians through sport and leadership development. She also said it's really good to have Buddy Franklin and Johnathon Thurston, incredible ambassadors that’ll be joining us on this run as well.
Miss Appleby’s motivation extends beyond just the marathon. As a single mother, she hopes to inspire other parents, particularly mothers, to invest in their own health and wellbeing. “We often forget to look after ourselves because we’re so busy with our kids. But it’s important to prioritize our own physical and mental health. That’s why I want to encourage others to apply for the IMP program and take that leap.”
When asked about her celebration plans post-marathon, Appleby has her eyes set on two things: family and food. “I’ll be celebrating with my family back home in Queensland. None of this would’ve been possible without their support. And of course, I’ll be celebrating in New York too. I’m going to check out all the cool spots and maybe even get a little massage after the race!”
Arika Appleby’s story is one of grit, heart, and leadership, and her journey to the NYC Marathon is an inspiration to all who are looking to push past their limits. As she takes the next step toward New York, she’ll be carrying not just her culture and community, but a powerful message of resilience and determination for all Indigenous Australians.
“You don’t have to be the best at everything,” she said. “Just show up and have a crack. That’s what I’m doing, and I encourage everyone to do the same.”
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Marli Ryan speaks with Arika Appleby