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At the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, we deliver running and physical literacy programs that address the unacceptable health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
We believe the finish line is just the start line.
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) was founded by Robert de Castella AO MBE, former World Marathon Champion, Australian of the Year (1983), and iconic Australian.
Walking side by side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, IMF is about celebrating First Nations achievement, showcased through the power of running and choosing to do hard things.
Your tax-deductible donation will contribute to creating healthier futures and leadership opportunities for First Nations peoples and communities.
Every Step Matters.
Statement of Purpose
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) exists to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through running, leadership and education.
Our purpose is to:
- Improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Showcase the strength, resilience, courage and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Develop leaders who inspire positive change within their communities.
- Contribute to a unified Australia through shared experiences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians together – side by side.
Our programs promote discipline, healthy living, and social connection among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a strong focus on leadership development and marathon preparation. Each program is shaped through co-design with our First Nations participants, graduates, run leaders, and partner organisations — grounding our approach in community and drawing strength from lived experience.
Indigenous Marathon Project
Each year a group of 12 Indigenous Australians are selected to train for the New York City Marathon with just six months of training.
IMF Running and Walking Australia
The IMF RAW Australia (IMF RAW) has grown from the successful IMF RAW Fun Run series and the voluntary work that IMP Graduates are contributing to their communities, to pass forward the positive mental, emotional and physical benefits that IMP experience has provided to them.
I-CAN Activity & Nutrition
I-CAN encourages school attendance and addresses childhood obesity and inactivity by installing running tracks and fitness equipment in primary schools or in Indigenous community parks.
Warrior Project
The IMF Warrior Project establishes running events and groups within prisons and detention centres to inspire a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing while building self-discipline, social connection, career pathways, and pride.
Front Runners
IMF’s FrontRunners program provides the opportunity for IMP Graduates to access grants to establish running and fitness groups, establish their own business, and/or undertake personal, professional, and career development courses.
Our programs help embed an active, healthy lifestyle in remote, regional and metro communities where there are often barriers to participation, delivering real impact and proven results since 2010.
We Run. Sweat. Inspire.
Side By Side.
1,500+ Applications since 2010
In 2025, we received a record 323 applications for the IMP program. Each year, a group of exceptional First Nations young men and women — with predominantly no running experience — are selected to train and compete in the TCS New York City Marathon in just six months, with a motto that the ‘finish line is just the start line’. The IMP experience also incorporates formal education and leadership training.
167 IMP Graduates
IMP Graduates come from more than 65 remote communities, regional towns and urban cities across Australia. More than 85 per cent of IMP Graduates stay actively engaged in IMF and continue to support future IMP Squads and are eligible to access IMF FrontRunners Grants to help continue amplifying their purpose.
238 Marathons Completed by Grads
Four IMP Graduate have completed all Six World Marathon Majors (excluding Sydney), including Charlie Maher IMP Grad #1, Bianca Graham IMP Grad #7, Allira Jennings (nee Ludwig) IMP Grad #38 and Natasha Leslie IMP Grad #72.
60+ IMF RAW Communities
In 2026, we’re proud to help facilitate 60+ IMF RAW Communities and School Rub clubs. Led by more than 100 local leaders, IMF RAW seeks to address the scourge of chronic disease by normalising accessible athletic activity (running and walking) for First Nations peoples and other community members, regardless of age.
100+ Events / Year
At IMF, we help facilitate more than 100 events each year, bringing together First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It represents our mission in action. Each year, IMF RAW Championships is one of the highlights — an opportunity for RAW Communities across Australia to go head-to-head in friendly competition and build connections.
73% Physical Literacy Improvement
73% of students participating in our most recent I-CAN programs experienced improved physical literacy and behavioural performance during the eight-week program. Plus, school surveys indicate an up to 20 per cent point increase in school attendance during the eight-week period — an amazing statistic! *Based on school surveys conducted in Week 1 vs Week 10.
What sets IMF apart?
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) is a health promotion charity (DGR1 status), which uses running and walking as a platform to celebrate First Nations achievement. At IMF, our work is underpinned by the ethos that running and walking is a vehicle for addressing chronic health conditions, personal growth, building leadership qualities, and community good.
Importantly, our work and impact go beyond having the strength, resilience and discipline to ‘run a marathon’. It’s about setting a high standard. It’s about arming the people who participate in our five key programs with the tools to create ripple effects of change within themselves, within families, and within the communities in which they live.
We’re striving for a reconciled, unified, and healthy Australia.
Why running
Running is simple, accessible, and powerful. It requires just one foot in front of the other — but it’s tough. It inspires. It shows results. It’s physically exhausting. It’s mentally and emotionally recharging. While our programs now extend beyond running to incorporate physical literacy and education, our focus is on achieving better health outcomes for First Nations peoples and providing opportunities for reconciliation.
I’ve heard of IMP, what other programs does IMF deliver?
At IMF, we deliver five proven programs:
The Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) is our flagship program. Each year, 12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged between 18-30 are selected to train for the biggest marathon in the world in November, the TCS New York City Marathon.
I-CAN (Indigenous Communities, Activity and Nutrition) is an eight-week fun, culturally appropriate and educational health and fitness program delivered in remote primary schools and communities across Australia, designed to encourage school attendance and addresses childhood obesity and inactivity.
IMF RAW (Running and Walking) provides a free, inclusive and safe environment for running and walking across Australia. Driven by IMP Graduates and Community Members, IMF RAW addresses chronic disease by normalising physical activity.
Warrior Project is a 12-month program designed to transform correctional centres into spaces of personal growth through running, mentoring, and cultural connection, helping participants rebuild mental resilience, physical strength, identity, and hope.
Finally, FrontRunners is a grants and mentoring program which extends the involvement of IMP Graduates, facilitating leadership opportunities in their respective communities.
How is IMF contributing to closing the gap?
Our proven community-led programs are designed to help address the health and life expectancy gap between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians across remote, regional and metro First Nations communities.
Currently, our programs are contributing to eight of the 17 Closing the Gap targets.
How can I best support IMF?
IMF is a charity (DGR1 status), not for profit, and registered with the ACNC. There are many ways you can help support our work. It’s easy to make a tax-deductible donation. You may consider fundraising for us. We also welcome enquiries about corporate partnerships. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
