Thank you for visiting my fundraising page – My name is Stirling Sharpe. I am a descendant of the Awabakal people. I’m a dad to two beautiful boys, a husband, a university lecturer, and now, a long distance runner… I’d love your support on my journey to support the 2023 Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) squad.

The IMP started in 2010 and is led by world marathon champion, four time Olympian, Australian of the Year, and all round good bloke, Rob de Castella. The IMP has seen 132 graduates complete a challenging six-month Indigenous health, wellbeing, and leadership program culminating in running a major international marathon. This year, the squad will be returning to New York to run the TCS New York City Marathon.

The project uses running to change lives and provide a renewed sense of empowerment, purpose, and pride among Indigenous Australians.

Each year, 12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged between 18-30 are selected and to date, the program has a 100% success rate - everyone who got to the start line of the marathon, has completed it. But as they say at IMF, the finish line is only the start. The ripple-effect these men and women create in their families and communities is where the legacy lies.

I invite you to invest in this legacy.

For the past three years I have been working alongside the IMF in various capacities. As a corporate supporter (via UC) and now Board member, I have been able to witness first hand the impact that the IMF has. The genuine change that their programs create for individuals and communities. I’d love to share stories with you, but be warned, once you hear them you will be inspired to start running and telling everyone about the IMF too!

This year, I have undertaken to support the IMP squad. So far, I have been a part of their Camp 1 in Canberra and supported a squad member to complete the 10km Mother’s Day Classic event non-stop and in a good time. The next stop is the Gold Coast where we will run the 21.1km half marathon. Finally, I will join the squad in New York to run the marathon. It will be a true privilege to run in the worlds biggest marathon and support the IMP squad.

I am fundraising to raise much needed funds to continue the important, powerful, life changing work that the IMF do. Fundraising and donations form a crucial part of their annual income. The Marathon is 42.195km – I want to raise at least $42,195: one dollar for every meter. Will you help me get there?!

There is no problems if you can’t donate to my page, but could you please share my page with someone else? Alongside my fundraising efforts is also an awareness raising campaign – please share information about the IMF and help us to run towards a reconciled Australia!

Thank you for considering donating to my fundraising efforts. Rest assured your donation will be put to good use!

Yours in running
Stirling