Applications open for the marathon project of a lifetime

It’s time for another round of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to go through their paces, with the search for the 2022 Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) squad officially underway.

Applications are now open, with the national try-out tour set to take place early next year to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men and women ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

The Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), the flagstone program of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF), is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18-30 with no prior running experience necessary. Successful applicants will have just six months to train for a marathon, with the support of IMF founder and director Rob de Castella, and IMP coach and manager Damian Tuck.

In addition, the squad will be mentored by the 122 IMP graduates who have passed through the program since its inception in 2010 and who are an integral part of the IMF family that continue to lead change in their communities.

The search is not about discovering champion marathon runners; it is about finding motivated people who have the strength and determination to inspire their communities and families through their commitment and ability to tackle challenges.

de Castella said joining the IMP would test the limits of the successful applicants but offers huge rewards and a life changing experience.

“Don’t hesitate, take up the IMP challenge and register now,” said de Castella. “Running is easy, just one step after the other, but running a marathon is hard, just like life can be, especially if you want to make a difference.

“IMP will change your life and the lives of other people in your community and family, just ask any of the 122 IMP graduates. Many of them thought running a marathon was impossible, but they did it. Don’t hold yourself back, give it a go and apply now.”

Next year’s national try-out tour will visit communities around Australia and select a running squad in a trial that includes a 3km run, and an informal interview. The group will also be required to complete a certificate in Indigenous Leadership and Health Promotion, First Aid qualification, Level 1 Recreational Run coaching accreditation and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid course as part of the project’s education component.

Applications can be submitted online at www.imf.org.au.

The IMP is a program of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, a not‐for‐profit health promotion foundation established in 2009 by world marathon champion Rob de Castella. The Indigenous Marathon Foundation relies on the generous support of the Australian Government Department of Health and the generosity of the Australian public.