From poor health to endurance legend
Indigenous elder Alby Clarke, a Gunditjmara trailblazer celebrated for his ultramarathon and cycling feats, passed away at age 90 on September 16. His life story, marked by transformation, endurance, and advocacy, resonated beyond sport, becoming a powerful force for Indigenous reconciliation and health across Australia.
Born in Melbourne in 1934, Clarke moved with his family to the Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve near Warrnambool when he was ten. It was there, amid local roads and community networks, that his lifelong love of movement began to unfold. He first discovered cycling as a youngster, winning local competitions and laying the groundwork for a remarkable journey that would span decades.
A wake-up call that reshaped a life
In his 60s, Clarke faced a stark health warning: type 2 diabetes endangered his life, and he was told he needed to change. He welcomed the challenge with characteristic grit and warmth. “I had to get that big belly off,” he told the ABC in 2017. With his family as his motivation, he quit drinking and embraced daily exercise. He returned to the bike with a renewed sense of purpose, pedalling a 6-kilometre circuit around Framlingham as a starting point for a broader mission.
What began as modest laps around the settlement evolved into a lifetime of endurance. Clarke’s running shoes and bicycle became symbols of resilience, as he used his health journey to inspire others in his community and across Australia.
Record-breaking endurance and advocacy
Clarke’s early rides around Framlingham were a prelude to a series of extraordinary feats. At 66, he became the first Indigenous rider to complete the 275-kilometre Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic. His momentum did not stop there: in 2002, he embarked on the Ride For Reconciliation, a 3,000-kilometre journey across the Nullarbor from Perth to Warrnambool, wearing a blue outfit adorned with sequins and proudly displaying his electric-blue hair—an emblem of his vibrant spirit.
By 2005, Clarke had added running to his repertoire, tackling the Cliff Young Ultra Race in Colac at the age of 70 with 347 kilometres behind him. His commitment to endurance continued into his late 80s, completing a final half-marathon near Warrnambool in 2023. Across cycling and running, Clarke leveraged his athletic platform to advocate for Indigenous health, recognition, and reconciliation.
A life of influence and recognition
Clarke’s contributions extended beyond personal accomplishment. He earned national and regional honours, including a Medal in the Order of Australia for services to Indigenous health and sport, the Victorian Senior of the Year award, and induction onto the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll. Admirers describe him as a national treasure—an exemplar of resilience whose work bridged sport, culture, and social justice.
At his Warrnambool funeral, family and community members spoke of a life lived with courage and generosity. His daughter, April Clarke, spoke of a man who “survived until the age of 90. Not only did he survive, but he lived, and not just existed.” She recalled the personal cost of change—the loneliness of leaving old habits and friendships behind—but also the freedom found in choosing a healthier path. “He rode and ran to freedom,” she said, honoring a father who used endurance to empower others.
Legacy for Indigenous health and sport
Alby Clarke’s story is more than a sequence of races or miles logged. It’s a narrative about turning a dire health warning into a catalyst for lasting change—motivating Indigenous communities to pursue health, dignity, and visibility. His example continues to inspire young athletes and elders alike, reminding us that endurance can be a form of advocacy and that personal transformation can ripple outward, advancing reconciliation and equality.
Remembering a guardian of resilience
As Moyne Shire Councillor Jordan Lockett noted, Clarke’s life illustrates how determination can transcend age and health challenges. “He’s a national treasure,” Lockett said, underscoring the enduring impact of Clarke’s work on sport, health, and Indigenous recognition in Australia.
