Yartapuulti Fun Run

Published Thu 09 Sep 2021

Yartapuulti Fun Run - Thursday, October 21.

Hart's Mill, Port Adelaide

Register your interest by sending the number of participants in your group or school to info@athleticssa.com.au

Port Adelaide Athletics Club athlete and Aboriginal Training Squad coach Tjimari Sanderson-Milera, front right, is encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy the Yartapuulti Fun Run.

Next month’s Yartapuulti Fun Run is more than just a running event, but an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture, come together as a community and highlight the importance of fitness.

Port Adelaide Athletics Club runner and Aboriginal Training Squad coach Tjimari Sanderson-Milera said Yartapuulti was an important event on the athletics calendar.

The run will take place on Thursday, October 21 at Hart’s Mill in Port Adelaide, where school students, teachers, parents and members of the community have the opportunity to run or walk a 3km or 5km course.

Schools, students, parents and the general public are encouraged to attend the event - if interested, contact info@athleticssa.com.au.

“Yartapuulti has been a great initiative since it started a couple of years ago,” Tjimari said.

“This Fun Run is important because we as Aboriginal people have such a sense of community.

“This event brings South Australian Aboriginal people together and that brings out the best in us, which benefits the community.

“We couldn’t go ahead last year so we are hoping for a big turnout this year.”

Tjimari and brother Temaana are now coaching Port Adelaide Athletics Clubs Aboriginal program, which is now into its sixth season.

“We have so many kids come out – particularly in their football and basketball off-season to work on their sprint mechanics and running technique,” Tjimari said.

“They love running but when they come out here they have a crack at everything - running, throwing and jumping - and now they enjoy competing in the school and interclub competitions.

“Aboriginal kids have such raw talent, natural speed, it’s all there, so we are here to guide them into athletics and help them improve on those natural abilities.

He said athletics was not only fun but provided skills that were transferrable to other sports.

“Athletics training helps you significantly with your other sports,” Tjimari said.

“Working on your running technique, as a footballer or basketballer not only helps with your running, but also reduces the likelihood of getting injured.

“It’s a great training option for your off season and pre season, but also during the season to keep that running technique sound."