Running program transforms Indigenous youth into leaders

By Bree Harding

Feb 13, 2025

Six men and six women of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent between the ages of 18 and 30 are selected to participate in the program each year. Yorta Yorta man Koolyn Briggs (second from left) was selected last year. Photo: Korey Summers Photography. Photo by Korey Summers Photography

Young First Nations people aspiring to lead change through the spirit of health and fitness are urged to apply for this year’s Indigenous Marathon Project Squad.

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The national search for men and women aged 18 to 30 is in full swing for the program, which gained international fame through the 2011 documentary Running to America.

IMP founder and director, and former world marathon champion, Robert de Castella, together with new IMP head coach, program manager and 2023 IMP graduate Jack Stevens are looking for enthusiastic squad members from remote communities, regional towns and urban cities across Australia.

Running experience is not a pre-requisite.

“Most of our 156 IMP graduates have had no previous running experience,” Mr de Castella said.

“We’re searching for applicants with a commitment to personal health and wellbeing, an interest in competing in the TCS New York City Marathon, and, most importantly, they want to become changemakers in their communities.”

The six-month program is the flagship program of the not-for-profit charity Indigenous Marathon Foundation.

Through its programs, the IMF works to inspire and empower Indigenous youth to reach their full potential in all areas of life.

The IMP is a journey that involves a rigorous marathon training program, with selected squad members also required to complete an education program in Indigenous leadership and health promotion, to develop healthy lifestyle leaders.

A chance to see another part of the world is but one advantage of being selected.

“IMP is a lot more than a free trip to New York,” Mr Stevens said.

“The education component of IMP empowers squad members with the knowledge and skills to create lasting change within their communities, or what we call the ‘ripple effect’ here at IMF.

“The squad will access coaching, mentoring, new qualifications and more.”

IMF statistics show more than 85 per cent of its IMP graduates stay actively engaged in the foundation and continue to support future IMP squads and other IMF programs, including RAW (Running & Walking within Indigenous Communities), I-CAN (educational health and fitness programs delivered in remote communities) and FrontRunners for IMP Graduates.

The 2025 national try-out tour will visit communities around Australia. IMP Applications are open until the end of February at imf.org.au