Broome man Wynston Shovellor-Sesar runs New York Marathon in six hours

A crowd of 50,000 sweated it out at the world-famous New York Marathon on November 6, with Broome’s Wynston Shovellor-Sesar one of the thousands running in the race’s 52nd year. Training for months as part of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation 2022 team, Shovellor-Sesar flew over to the USA earlier this month to compete in the 42.2km challenge through the famous boroughs of New York. Completing the marathon in six hours, two minutes and 20 seconds, Shovellor-Sesar said he never thought he would be able to complete a marathon. “I have bled, sweated and almost poured tears while running the New York Marathon,” he said. “I didn’t think I would get this far; it was very challenging and I was struggling out there to make a reasonable time that I hoped to achieve. “I learnt a lot about myself out there especially with my body that I should’ve taken it really easy, but it’s so easy to get sucked into the climate with thousands of excited runners who just run off without strategically managing their pace. “Once I passed the finish line, I felt quite emotional. I couldn’t believe I got there in the end, because I was ready to give up, but I had family and friends and my squad depending on me to bring it home. I felt a sense of achievement, pride and love for myself.” Shovellor-Sesar said running the marathon with IMF team had opened his eyes to what he could achieve. “IMF have opened my eyes and made me realise hard work is required to achieve greater things and anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” he said. “I would love to thank everyone who has supported me through this six-month journey. “Especially my mum, my coach, my grandmothers and my family but also my squad who have always made sure we are accountable with our training to prepare for this very moment.” Shovellor-Sesar said he would continue running in the future and planned on tackling the Gold Coast Marathon next.