FNQ Indigenous woman Sharman Williams gears up for a chance at New York Marathon

She has Johnathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin in her corner and this proud Indigenous woman, who has never run a marathon, is now planning on conquering the Big Apple.

Sharman Williams (middle right) pictured with Johnathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin after the Mother's Day Classic marathon in Canberra on May 11, 2025. Picture: Supplied

Only a couple of months back, Sharman Williams had never run even a quarter of the distance of a full marathon, but in less than six months time, she’ll be taking on one of the most famous 42 km events on the planet in New York.

A proud Indigenous woman of Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta and Bundjalung heritage, Williams also has connections to Torres Strait, in particular Murray and Darnley Island.

Her foray into the world of long-distance running began in February, when she became a part of the Indigenous Marathon Project, which will see her be one of 12 Indigenous men and women who take on a training regimen which has them build toward the marathon in NYC.

The project is set to take them all across the country, and eventually overseas, but Williams said her own internal growth and the growth of her community was the driving force behind her decision to join.

Sharman Williams is preparing to take on one of the world's most famous marathons in New York later this year. Picture: Korey Summers

“I chose to join the IMP to inspire other First Nations people to take up every opportunity and break those generational cycles,” Williams said.

“We are strong and deserving people. The oldest living culture in the world.

“But to spread that message, I have to challenge myself to do it. Lead by example and support others.”

Despite not coming from a background in long distance running - she grew up playing touch footy and soccer - Williams said the positive impact it has had on her body and mind has been almost immediate.

“I’m loving it, it helps me a lot with my own mental health,” she said.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of mental health struggles and some racism along the way as well. That broke down my confidence and this was a way to build it back up.

Sharman Williams (left) is preparing to take on one of the world's most famous marathons in New York later this year. Picture: Korey Summers

“When I’m running I can think about the goals I want to achieve, the people around me, and my why.

“That’s what we talk a lot about in our workshops, why are we doing this?

“I feel more confident. I feel more worthy, and more strong as a person. Even around me, I’m seeing family and friends starting to run and tell me that they’re feeling inspired and that they want to start living more healthier lives.”

Williams was one of just 12 people chosen out of more than 300 applicants, a fact that she said makes her feel simultaneously grateful and humbled.

“It’s what pushes me to work hard each and every day, the fact that I’m getting an opportunity that so many others wanted but weren’t able to get,” she said.

“The training is hard at times, but I keep pushing through on that path to New York because of that.

“I think it’s also a really positive sign for this community, the IMP started with four men and has grown to the point where they have hundreds of applicants for only a dozen spots.”

Her efforts, most recently at the 10km Mother’s Day Classic in Canberra, has seen her rub shoulders with Australian sports royalty, as she got to meet and speak with North Queensland NRL legend Johnathan Thurston and AFL legend Buddy Franklin.

Sharman Williams (front row, third from left) is pictured with the rest of the Indigenous Marathon Project team for 2025, alongside AFL legend Buddy Franklin and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Korey Summers

“They came to a few of our workshops, just to be a part of it and hear our stories and tell us a bit about their journeys,” she said.

“JT in particular is hilarious, but at the end of the day both of them are there to inspire our community and help us tell our story.”

The founder of the IMP is a Aussie sports icon in his own right, former World Marathon Champion Robert de Castella AO MBE.

“The Indigenous Marathon Project is now in its 16th year, and it’s a privilege to walk side-by-side with another group of wonderful First Nations young people who have put their hands up to work hard and be healthy role models for others,” de Castella said.

“Members of the 2025 IMP Squad will be pushing their physical and mental boundaries to a new level. While we use the marathon to support them to realise that they can achieve anything — the finish line is just the start line.”

Williams is now gearing up for her next event - the Gold Coast marathon on July 6 - with the distances being slowly built up before the big day in New York on November 2.

Originally published as FNQ Indigenous woman Sharman Williams gears up for a chance at New York Marathon