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 story began in 2009 when Rob de Castella AO MBE, four-time Olympian and former World Marathon Champion, was invited to mentor four young Aboriginal men as part of the documentary Running to America. Together, they trained for and completed the 2010 New York City Marathon, becoming the first Indigenous Australians to do so. 

 
Witnessing the impact this journey had on the runners and their communities, Rob established the Indigenous Marathon Foundation to continue supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, health and education through the power of running. 
 
Today, IMF is a national health promotion charity (DGR1 status). While we are not an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, we work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Our role is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve their own goals, strengthen their communities and lead change in ways that are meaningful to them. We believe trust is built through respect, listening, collaboration, and transparency. 
 
Since 2013, IMF has been shaped by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) graduates, IMF Run Leaders, staff, board members, volunteers and communities who have contributed to this journey. Their leadership, knowledge, achievements and commitment to lifting others up continue to define our organisation, our programs, and our impact. 
 
We acknowledge the vision that led to IMF’s establishment and the many people who have contributed to the journey since then. While our organisation continues to evolve, our purpose remains the same: to walk (and run) side by side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, supporting healthier futures, stronger leaders and lasting impact through the power of running.