Four Indigenous athletes from across the Top End and Central Australia will embark on the trip of a lifetime when they head to New York early next week to compete in the New York Marathon. The four indigenous athletes are part of Australian marathon champion Rob de Castella's Indigenous Marathon Project. Juan Darwin from Maningrida, Joseph Davies from Kununurra, Charlie Maher and Caleb Hart, both from Alice Springs, are geared up to compete in the 42.195 kilometre run, along with about 40,000 other participants, through the streets of New York. Superintendent Andy Warton of Task Force Themis is Juan's mentor and will be competing with Juan in the marathon. "The Northern Territory Police have provided a support and mentorship role to all four indigenous athletes involved in Rob de Castella's Indigenous Marathon Project over the past year. For the police, this has been an opportunity to further engage with indigenous communities in a positive way. "The commitment shown by these young men, and the challenge they are about to encounter in New York is a credit to them. Their communities, police mentors, and their country will be supporting them to the finish line and beyond" Superintendent Warton said. Rob de Castella applauded Police involvement in the Marathon Project. "Without the support of the Northern Territory Police this wonderful initiative would simply not be happening. They (the Police) have enabled us to keep in touch with our runners throughout the NT and have been invaluable in assisting with travel in and out of the communities, helping organise training runs and events, and also being such positive role models to these young men, their families and their communities. I'm really looking forward to expanding the program into more towns and communities next year to promote healthy lifestyles and find a future distance running champion", de Castella said. Tomorrow, Juan Darwin will bid farewell to his family and supporters in Maningrida and board the Police Airwing Plane for the first leg of his journey to Darwin. He will attend a training camp in Sydney with the other 3 indigenous athletes and will depart for New York with de Castella and the team on Monday 1 November. Accompanied by Robert de Castella and Superintendent Andy Warton, Juan will arrive in Darwin at approximately 1330hrs. Media Contact Sarah Gotch 8901 0280