Running had a profound impact on myself and completely changed the trajectory of my life. I struggled with addiction and mental health and running was a last resort, so, because I had experienced this incredible impact that it had on me, I wanted to share it and pass it on.
Georgia says long distance running teaches you a lot about yourself ‘the importance of sticking with something and being commitment and focused and teaching yourself to sit with discomfort and know that its ok.’
Georgia says that as a recovering addicted and alcoholic, It taught her how to sit with discomfort and be mentally stronger for it and transferred into other areas of her life.
This is how Deadly Runners was born. It’s a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated community led initiative, creating long term change and health benefits within communities, by fostering physical health and mental well being through their running and cultural programs.
In 2014 Georgia, the creator and founder, put a call out to the people of Queanbeyan NSW, where she was living at the time. It started as a run at the park, with a small group but within a year it grew to 40 local people taking part in the 8-week walk to run program and in Georgia’s words it ‘blew up’.
Since then, the program has expanded with Deadly Runner groups in Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast, down to Batemans Bay, Narooma and Wallaga Lake on the NSW South Coast with much success within the communities.
As we know, the health outcomes from running and regular exercise are remarkable but the most important thing is the impact it’s having on individuals and communities.
Through Deadly Runners, mob are forming positive social connections, in an encouraging environment, setting goals and growing together. Deadly Runners creates a safe space for all levels of fitness, creating opportunities for their families and communities to become mentally and physically stronger.
Georgia has been named as a finalist for NAIDOC Person on the Year for her work within the community through Deadly Runners.
The National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony will be held in Adelaide on Saturday evening and broadcast on NITV and ABC at 730pm.
