Indigenous Marathon Foundation

In 2010 world marathon champion Rob de Castella travelled around Australia searching for Indigenous runners to make history: to run one of the world's largest marathons, the TCS New York City Marathon. Those four young men showed such strength, determination, resilience and pride, that they paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Seeing the change in these young men and the ripple effect in their communities drove Rob to establish the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP). Since 2010, 142 young Indigenous men and women have completed a marathon with the IMP. The project incorporates education components with each participant graduating with qualifications in fitness and recreation, first aid, mental health and run coaching. The continual growth and success of the IMP led to the establishment of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, a health promotion charity, which oversees four core programs:* The Indigenous Marathon Project * Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition (I-CAN, school-based program)* IMF Running & Walking (RAW)(community-driven free walking and running groups)* FrontRunners (for graduates of IMP, offering support and grants for professional and personal development) Running and physical activity underpin all of IMF's programs and we are committed to providing inclusive, free and safe environments for community members to adopt active and healthy lifestyles.