Each year, 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants (aged 18–30) are selected to train for the TCS New York City Marathon, the culmination of a six-month health, education, and leadership program that uses running to nurture leadership, strengthen identity, and inspire positive change within communities.
Each year, 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — aged 18-30 — are selected to train for and complete the TCS New York City Marathon in November, some with no prior running experience required.
Across the program, squad members participate in four intensive five-day education and training workshops that strengthen leadership capability and support community impact. Participants gain nationally recognised qualifications in leadership, health promotion, coaching, public speaking, and first aid, while milestone running events build the physical and mental capacity required to complete the TCS New York City Marathon.
IMP graduates return to their communities as confident leaders and changemakers, drawing on their IMP experience to inspire healthy, active lifestyles. Since 2010, 167 IMP graduates have completed an international marathon and contributed to lasting impact across Australia. Many continue to run and run marathons, with four having completed all six Abbots World Majors.
“I want to break down barriers that may prevent our people from living healthy lives and I want to inspire other mob to live happy long and healthy lives that are in line with our cultural values."
Jye is a physiotherapist and has a deep passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity and empowerment. He runs a social media page called The Koori Physio where he posts content in the hopes of educating the wider community on the health issues and disparities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face. Jye’s primary focus of The Koori Physio is to educate and inspire mob to lead healthier lives.
Shannon applied for the Indigenous Marathon Project with a hope to inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and chase their dreams while chasing one of his own. Shannon shares “I am a long-time follower and supporter of IMP and always dreamt of crossing the finish line of a marathon. I am lucky enough to have felt the ripple effect from IMP Graduates, and hope to continue the ripple to my family, friends and community.”
He currently works to assist Indigenous people overcome employment barriers within the mining industry.
Millie serves as the First Nations Justice Director and Acting Co-Executive Director at Australia Progress, a non-profit dedicated to building capacity of social change organisations and movements to advocate and win transformational change.
She shares that she remembers reading about the IMP for the first time in high school, and since then has been inspired by those who challenged themselves to take on this incredible journey, sharing “I’ve applied and tried out for the IMP in previous years, but this year felt different as I’ve just turned 30, meaning it was the last year I could try out and I was determined to give it a red hot go. Being accepted is a true privilege and comes with responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Part of this responsibility is knowing that the IMP squad represent our mob across the country, and on a global stage, and are seen as role models for so many young mob who will be the leaders of the next generation.
Della works part-time as a community coordinator at ILBIJERRI theatre company in Melbourne, Australia’s longest running First Nations theatre company. Della is also studying a Master of Arts and Cultural Management full-time at the University of Melbourne.
Della applied for IMP to prove to herself that she could do it, sharing “I’m hoping to maintain an ongoing healthy relationship with long distance running, make new friends and family, and to hopefully encourage others to strive towards living a healthier lifestyle through actively choosing so.”
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Communications and works for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) as a Communications Officer, working closely with Deadly Choices to help promote healthy lifestyle choices to members of the community of all ages.
Brooke applied for the IMP to be a role model and leader in her community, and someone others can look up to. She has been running with her Mum since she was 11 and has been a proud member of Bramble Bay IMF RAW since its inception in 2018. She runs in several fun runs and events each year.
Brooke shares “I also want to show my Mum that the work, hours and scarifies she has put into running Bramble Bay IMF RAW has paid off.”
Pio applied for IMP inspired by the impact he witnessed through previous IMP Graduates including Tristan Nelliman-Adams, Neil Sabatino, and Jade Ware. He sees IMP as a chance to challenge himself mentally and physically, growing into a strong leader in his community and motivating others to prioritise health and wellness.
Pio works as a Youth Connect Worker at Mission Australia Townsville Youth Foyer while pursuing a Dual Certificate IV in Mental Health and Diploma in Community Services.
Dakota drove 6 hours to participate in an IMP try-out, sharing that the number one reason he applied for IMP is for his son. “I want to be able to show him through hard work and dedication that we are capable of so much more. Number two is for my community and leading by example and showing them that an active and healthy lifestyle is achievable for all mob no matter how old or young. Number three is for my family, I have two uncles who will never walk again, so every time I run, I'm running for them too.
Dakota started running after the pandemic for his mental health and entered in a few short distance races. “My proudest moment was the birth of my first child last year, a beautiful little boy. He is the driving force behind everything I do.”
Elle lives in Darwin, NT and shares that being selected for the Indigenous Marathon Project is a dream come true after trying out for four years in a row. Elle was inspired to start running after watching her cousin Jye Strugnell graduate through the IMP. She now runs regularly with the Darwin Deadlies.
“I applied for the IMP as I want to be healthy role model to my family, community and my son. I have been through a lot of loss in the recent years and lost many young family members. I want my people to live long, healthy, happy lives and hope that by going through IMP I can lead by example.”
Angelica applied for the Indigenous Marathon Project to inspire others to persevere through life challenges to achieve their goals and create an environment around them that supports their success. She believes that being proud of your strength to get through the hard times and being a support person for the people around you, will make a better place for our next generation.
Angelica has applied for IMP twice before and says, “I’m so grateful to be chosen. It feels like the stars have aligned. I am so keen to meet other passionate Indigenous people and have a tonne of fun learning and training to run a marathon.”
Angelica has a background in conservation and ecosystem management.
Callum was inspired to apply for the Indigenous Marathon Project after IMP Graduate Juan Darwin from Maningrida ran the New York City Marathon in 2010. Callum says “I’ll be running for my family, my community of Maningrida and for my young son. I am so proud that in a few years’ time I can tell my son all about this journey and inspire him. I hope I can inspire others too to believe that they are capable of anything.”
Chloe applied for the IMP to challenge herself to be stronger, and to inspire her children and remind them that they can do anything. Chloe says, “I want to be a positive role model and develop transferable skills to add to my ability to support my community.”
IMP is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18–30 on the day of the TCS NYC Marathon, who are interested in improving their health, strengthening leadership, and giving back to their community. No prior running experience is required.
To be eligible, applicants must not have previously completed the marathon event (42.2km).
Participants take part in a six-month program that includes running training, leadership development, education workshops, and community activities. The program finishes with the TCS New York City Marathon on the first Sunday in November each year, followed by a So What Workshop where graduates reflect on their IMP journey and yarn about what they have gained, and plan for what comes next.
IMP is a leadership and development program for young adults which is why it’s targeted towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18-30. There is a requirement for applicants to be 18 prior to the TCS New York Marathon in November to be eligible to register for an international marathon.
The IMP training program is progressive and challenging, combining regular running with scheduled workshops. Selected squad members should be prepared to gradually increase their running over the course of the program. Detailed training schedules and distances are provided once the squad is confirmed.
Yes. Flights, accommodation, coaching, uniforms, running gear, and program costs related to participation are covered. Participants are also supported by experienced coaches and mentors.
IMP graduates return to their communities equipped with confidence, leadership skills, qualifications, and practical tools to inspire healthier lifestyles and positive change. As community role models, IMP graduates often get involved in local IMF RAW groups and other IMF programs, including I-CAN and IMF Warrior Project.
Application details, key dates, and further information are available via the Indigenous Marathon Foundation website and social channels, including Instagram and Facebook. Stay tuned!
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