1000 businesses x $1000.
I’m running every day, raising funds for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, until I reach this goal.
Fundraising conducted as part of the 1000 is officially endorsed by the IMF.
The IMF is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status, meaning all donations are tax deductible.
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) is a health promotion charity that uses running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and achievement, and create inspirational Indigenous leaders.
Who can donate?
Businesses
My goal is to inspire 1000 businesses to donate $1000 each to this amazing organisation. Be part of something special.
Individuals
Donations from individuals are welcomed. Funds will support the IMF to build resilience and leadership through running.
Groups
Get your school, colleagues, run club or friend group together to make a donation to the 1000 and support the IMF.
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) was founded in 2013 by Australian marathon champion Robert de Castella, after taking four Aboriginal men from no running, to running the New York City Marathon (the biggest marathon, in one of the biggest cities in the world) in nine months in 2010.
The journey was part of the award-winning documentary, Running to America.
The transformative change that occurred in the participants and their families prompted Robert to establish the IMF as a not-for-profit health promotion charity that promotes health, and showcases and celebrates Indigenous resilience, courage, and achievement.
The IMF’s flagship IMP program has now taken over 132 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women, representing over 60 communities, most from no running to running an international marathon in just six months.
Beyond the program IMF continues to support Graduates to be positive and inspiring role models to their families and communities. IMF programs have had a massive positive impact and continue to work with hundreds of First Nations peoples of all ages across approximately 40 communities throughout Australia, including nearly 200 events per year.
About the 1000
My name is Jess Baird Walsh and I’m running every day until 1000 businesses donate $1000 each to the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF).
What began as a personal challenge in July 2022 to run 5km daily for 30 days has turned into a streak lasting over two years and still going strong. I’ve run through joy, illness, injury, jetlag and grief - typically covering between 5 and 10km a day but also completing marathons, ultra-marathons, and running in many locations both here in Australia and abroad.
Running has transformed my life, and now I’m paying it forward. I’m raising funds for the IMF, a charity that empowers Indigenous communities through running and leadership. Every dollar goes directly to the IMF and supports their incredible work.