Meet Devicca Embahe, Indigenous Marathon Foundation and Cairns Deadly Runner
TJ, Ursula, Devicca and Jodie at Mt Coot-Tha after the May training camp
Devicca is one of the most unassuming people you would ever meet. A quiet achiever, resilient and always up for challenges. Check out Devicca’s interview with BTU athlete liaison Ursula Adams, where she speaks about her journey into running; pushing herself to continually step out of her comfort zone and be an amazing role model for her children.
Here is a bit of a prelude to the video interview, from previous chats with D, truly showing us what an exceptional person she is.
Devicca is of Papuan heritage from the mountains of Kokoda, Papua New Guinea. She is a single mother of three teenage children and caring for her daughter who is in remission from stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She works part time, as well as being a run coach and still finds time to train herself. Her biggest passion stems from helping others and giving back to the community.
We asked where it all started for D and she shared with us a very raw response:
“My running journey began in 2015. It was at a very challenging time in my life. I am a survivor of domestic violence, whilst also suffering from anxiety and depression, this led to homelessness with my three children.
That is what brought me to buying a pair of runners. Initially I did this to support my friend in her Indigenous Marathon Project journey. Part of her journey was creating the Cairns Deadly Runners and Walkers group.
Instantly I felt improvements in my mental and physical health; my confidence grew, which then had a ripple effect in other areas of my lift. Everything I envisioned was happening. I’ve never stopped running with the IMF runners since. They’re the most inspiring group to be a part of”
Thank you D for sharing your story with us and we know you will inspire so many more people than ourselves at the Brisbane Trail Ultra. Devicca is joining us in her first official trail race in the BTU30 in July and we can’t wait to watch her journey.
