Life-changing trip: Young First Nations runners travel to Canberra for I-CAN Championships

Jarred Cross Published November 17, 2025 at 3.00pm (AWST)

sport

54 kids from remote communities headed to Canberra in recognition of school attendance and community leadership, capped with a fun run. (Images: supplied)

Close to 300 youth hit the grass for a fun run with special meaning on Ngunnawal Country over the weekend.

Among them were 54 First Nations kids from remote communities across Australia, many taking a trip away from home for the first time.

The I-CAN Championships hosted its third year at the Stromlo Running Festival in Canberra on Sunday.

The 2.5k kids run takes part on grass, through Stromlo Forest Park on the city's western fringe, with five, 10, 15 and 30 kilometre adult distances also part of the all abilities trail event.

I-CAN (Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition) is an Indigenous Marathon Foundation initiative.

It's the same organisation who've grown their list of 'graduates' beyond 150 with their Indigenous Marathon Project since 2010 - most recently 13 members of their 2025 squad at the New York City Marathon, including football legends in their respective codes Johnathan Thurston and Lance Franklin.

IMF, its team and squad talk about the 'ripple effect' of their efforts creating First Nations leaders and empowering communities.

The foundation delivers a number of projects as part of their work.

I-CAN brought the group of kids from remote communities aged 9-14 to Canberra last week for a host of activities, including relay races and afternoon tea with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn (IMF Patron-in-chief) tours of Parliament House, Australian Institute of Sport and the War Memorial.

An old favourite for kids visiting the capital, Questacon, also fit into the agenda.

"Through programs like I-CAN, we're helping young First Nations children see what's possible, breaking cycles and providing new opportunities," I-CAN officer Xavier Molony said.

"For many of these kids, this trip has been truly life-changing."

*54 kids from remote communities headed to Canberra in recognition of school attendance* *and community leadership. (Images: supplied)*

The I-CAN project engages with young children in remote primary schools and communities promoting health and fitness, with fun and inclusion central, while encouraging school attendance, championing culture and to empower them with confidence, IMF says.

For those who visited Canberra, the trip came as recognition for attendance and being healthy role models around their home.

Brooke Webb, a teacher at Mimili Anangu School in APY Lands, is also a local IMF Run Leader with the foundation.

"The I-CAN Championships have given students an amazing chance to celebrate their efforts and share the experience with peers," Ms Webb said.

"The connections and knowledge they gain won't stay in Canberra; students will take these lessons home, where they continue to strengthen their communities, model positive behaviours, and inspire others to reach for their goals."

Stromlo Running Festival was established in 2009 in-part by former World Champion marathon runner and IMP (now IMF) founder Rob de Castella.

It takes place in Stromlo Forest Park, a conciously designated venue for off-road running and cycling developed following devastating and sadly deadly bushfires in 2003.

Mr de Castella is credited with utilising the regenerated forest for greater purposes for future generations.