Runners from Bowarring Movement pose after the run alongside family, friends and Elders.
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As the hundreds who participated in 2026 edition of Run Echuca Moama finished their events, a new Aboriginal youth and movement program celebrated its biggest achievement yet.
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Thirty-three runners from Bowarring Movement, created to bring kids together, be active, learn healthy habits and focus on their health and wellbeing, crossed the line together, supported by their friends, families and Elders.
The group’s founder, Candace Williams, started the first iteration of Bowarring (which means bloom on tree in Yorta Yorta language) as a mentoring program for young Aboriginal girls.
The Bowarring Mentor Program as it was then called ran until 2023 with a focus on creating opportunities to connect through culture, activities and time spent with Elders.
After taking a break to work on her career, Bowarring would once again become a focus for Ms Williams when she was convinced to enter the 10km event at last year’s Run Echuca Moama.
“I remember crossing the finish line and feeling so proud of what I’d achieved,” Ms Williams said.
“But looking around I noticed there weren’t many of our Aboriginal community there or represented.
“I kept thinking how amazing it would be to see our community there together one day and feel that amazing feeling of running across that finish line.
“That moment stayed with me and that's where the idea for Bowarring Movement really began.”
Candace Williams was inspired to start Bowarring Movement to share the joy she felt after completing her first Run Echuca Moama event with her community.
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Starting from scratch, Ms Williams turned to the community for help, receiving support from several businesses and organisations including Run Echuca Moama itself, with course-designer and Victorian marathon champion Brady Threlfall offering his time.
“We’ve had so much support from our community ... and we’re so grateful for that,” Ms Williams said.
“Having Brady come and speak with our group was really special.
“He’s someone the kids could genuinely look up to, but what stood out the most was how humble and down to earth he was.”
His messages of self-belief and pride coming from more than just podium spots resonated with the group, building excitement in the lead up to race-day.
“Seeing how excited they were to be part of Run Echuca Moama and giving it everything they had made us all so proud,” Ms Williams said.
“(Sunday) was honestly one of the proudest days of my life.
“After the race they asked me, ‘Aunty Candace, when’s our next run?’ (which) was probably one of the best moments for me because it shows how much they enjoyed it.”
Archie Day and Juddy Wanganeen show off their new medals.
Ms Williams thanked the community for its help, in particular the families and Elders who provided her and the movement with encouragement, guidance and support from the beginning.
She wants to see the group continue to grow, creating a ripple effect that drives lasting change by promoting being active within families and communities.
“For me personally, it's important to lead by example and be a positive role model that lives the values of Bowarring Movement,” she said.
“If our young people see what's possible, feel supported and know someone believes in them, I hope they'll want to come on that journey with me.”
To find out more or support Bowarring Movement, contact Candace Williams by emailing Bowarring_movement@outlook.com
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