West Macs Monster: CDU paramedic lecturer to run 65km Ekistica Standley Monster

A paramedic lecturer – who is no stranger to being on the front lines – is once again putting herself through a tough situation. But this time it’s different.

CDU Paramedic lecturer Elissa Martyn will run the 65km Ekistica Standley monster in silence.

Normally on the sidelines as a paramedic, the 2024 West Mac Monster will see Elissa Martyn running one of the most gruelling sections – but with a difference.

Ms Martyn will be running the 65km Ekistica Standley Monster section – which covers some of the toughest sections of the trail – from May 17 to 19, in complete silence.

The former army medic, who is now a paramedicine lecturer at Charles Darwin University, said her reason for tackling the trail in silence was personal.

CDU Paramedic lecturer Elissa Martyn will run the 65km Ekistica Standley monster in silence as part of the 2024 West Macs Monster on May 17 to 19.

“I have always used running as an outlet to look after my mental health, and my best mate was an ultra-runner who unfortunately did not survive her battle with PTSD,” she said.

“I am running this event in her memory and as a way to raise awareness for PTSD and create space to have uncomfortable conversations.”

Running through the harsh environment, she said it led to personal reflection on the issues of PTSD and domestic violence – and now she planned to use the race to raise awareness for both issues.

CDU Paramedic lecturer Elissa Martyn will run the 65km Ekistica Standley monster in silence as part of the 2024 West Macs Monster on May 17 to 19.

“I wish someone within my space had asked me if I was okay, so I am running in silence to let victims know that they are not alone and to remind the people closest to them to create those spaces so we can have better outcomes for survivors in the future,” she said.

“Creating safe spaces where survivors feel comfortable to open up about abuse is hard, people don’t always want to hear it.”