15 Years of the IMP: Where Are They Now?
Since 2010, the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) has supported 145 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to run marathons around Australia and the world.
Many have gone onto to run multiple marathons, including three who have run all World Major Marathons, one who ran seven marathons in seven states in seven days, three who have run 100kms, and one who was the first Indigenous Australian to go to the North Pole, where he ran his second marathon!
Running marathons is a powerful demonstration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander capacity, commitment, determination, and dedication—but it is what IMP Graduates do after the finish line, in life, that IMF exists for.
The following profile is a short tribute and a celebration of IMP’s fifteen-year anniversary.
Meet Rachael Howard – IMP Graduate #77
Rachael Howard, a proud Burra Burra woman crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon in 2018 through the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP). Her life has been a journey of growth, purpose, and cultural connection ever since.
The same year she completed IMP, Rachael also graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and soon after, she and her husband moved to Alice Springs where she dedicated herself to working with a community-controlled Aboriginal health service. As a social and emotional wellbeing worker, Rachael worked alongside community members to support their mental health and deliver services in the local language —an experience she describes as “magic.”
Following this role, she took on the role of school counsellor, helping reduce barriers for Indigenous students to complete their education. Rachael and her husband also started an IMF RAW group in Alice Springs, which remains active today even though she has since moved back to Maitland, NSW, to be near family and raise their young child.
Today, Rachael is the counsellor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Newcastle, where she draws on her background and lived experience to help students navigate university life and reach their potential. Rachael is also facilitating a run club, and a women’s’ group where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can come together to connect and participate in weaving, painting, cooking or jewellery making, sharing that she is always working towards decolonising her counselling services ensuring they are culturally safe with a focus on empowerment.
Reflecting on how the IMP has shaped her journey, she shares that the program taught her to believe in herself, to face challenges, and to finish what she starts.
Since completing her IMP marathon, she has kept her passion for running alive, achieving two Half Ironman’s (1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, 21.1km run), multiple Olympic triathlons, and countless half marathons.
Most recently, she celebrated a personal best at the Sydney Marathon, finishing in 3:39. Over the years, she has overcome a stress fracture in her back and competed while breastfeeding her daughter, finding inspiration in the strength of women.
Rachael’s journey from completing her first marathon to making an impact across Aboriginal communities is a powerful testament to her resilience and dedication—and is a reminder of the lasting influence of the Indigenous Marathon Project, now celebrating 15 years of supporting leaders like Rachael across Australia.
