Falcon local selected in 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project Squad

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 11:49

By Monique Welhan

Jedd Bell has been selected in the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) Squad. PIC: Supplied

Falcon local Jedd Bell has been selected in the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) Squad.

A nationwide search for First Nations men and women aged 18 to 30 saw a record 323 applications for the six-month flagship program which involves training to compete at the TCS New York City Marathon.

A proud Gunditjmara man, Jedd, joined the squad in Canberra earlier this month for the first of a series of five workshops leading into the TCS New York City Marathon.

On Sunday he completed a 10km race at the Mother's Day Classic, kicking off his IMP campaign.

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A post shared by Jedd Bell (@jedd_bell)

IMP Founder and Director and former World Marathon Champion Robert de Castella AO MBE said it's exciting to see what’s ahead for Jedd and the squad.

“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,” Mr de Castella said.

“And importantly, learn more about themselves in this process.”

Since IMP started in 2010, 156 First Nations peoples have graduated from the program, most with no previous running experience.

After Canberra, IMP workshops will be held on the Gold Coast (July), Sunshine Coast (July), Alice Springs (September) and New York (November).

“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,” de Castella said.