A national search is underway for First Nations men and women aged 18-30 to apply for the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project squad.
The program, made world-famous by the 2011 documentary Running to America, is dedicated to developing First Nations leaders and change makers through the power of running.
Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) head coach, program manager, and 2023 IMP Graduate, Jack Stevens, emphasised the program's profound impact beyond marathon training.
"IMP is a lot more than a free trip to New York." he 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!"
IMP founder and director, former world marathon champion Robert de Castella, highlighted the program's inclusivity, encouraging all eligible First Nations people to apply, regardless of their running experience.
"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."
IMP is a six-month journey under the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF), featuring a rigorous training program alongside an education curriculum in Indigenous leadership and health promotion.
Selected squad members will gain new qualifications and leadership experience while inspiring Indigenous youth in their communities.
More than 85 percent of IMP Graduates remain actively engaged in the IMF, supporting future squads and contributing to programs such as RAW (Running and Walking within Indigenous Communities), I-CAN (educational health and fitness programs delivered in remote communities), and FrontRunners for IMP Graduates.
Whadjuk, Balladong and Wagyl Kaip woman from Perth and previous IMF runner, Bree (Brianne) Yarran, was inspired by IMP Graduate Kimba Benjamin.
She applied for IMP three times before being selected in the 2022 IMP Squad.
In 2024, Ms Yarran was admitted as a lawyer to the Western Australian Bar after studying a Juris Doctor of Law at the University of WA. She now works in the Civil Law and Human Rights Unit at the Aboriginal Legal Service in Perth.
Ms Yarn is also a Run Leader with Boorloo in Perth, one of IMF's RAW (Running and Walking) communities. She is currently training for the Gold Coast Marathon in July, followed by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.
"The IMP experience has given me perspective on what a healthy lifestyle should look like, and I'm now able to show my community what can be built around that, including invaluable lessons about determination, self-belief, and perseverance." she said.
Visiting communities across Australia, the 2025 national try-out tour is about to commence. Applications for the 2025 IMP Squad are open until the end of the year.
For more information or to apply, visit the Indigenous Marathon Foundation website.
