Charlie Maher, a proud Western Arrarnta man and the first graduate of the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), will complete a remarkable milestone this Sunday at the Nike Melbourne Marathon—the final leg of the Great Australian Indigenous Marathon Challenge (GAIMC). The event marks the launch of a new initiative encouraging Australians to follow in his footsteps through running and community connection.
Maher began his journey in January at the Cadbury Hobart Marathon, taking on eight marathons across Australia’s States and Territories. His route included the Canning River Runningworks Marathon in Western Australia, Canberra Times Canberra Marathon, Adelaide Marathon, ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Alice Springs Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, and now the Nike Melbourne Marathon.
Just weeks ago, Maher made history at the TCS Sydney Marathon, becoming the first First Nations male to complete all seven World Abbott Marathon Majors. Now, as he crosses the finish line in Melbourne, he will have completed eight marathons in eight regions—a feat symbolising endurance, leadership, and the power of community sport.
As the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s (IMF) new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chief Officer, Maher said running has always been about more than distance. “At IMF, we use running to bring people together—to celebrate First Nations achievements, inspire unity and leadership, and create role models. When we run side by side, we build connections and spark a ripple effect of positive change in communities across Australia,” he said.
IMF Founder and former world marathon champion Robert de Castella AO MBE said Maher’s journey has created a path for others to follow. “Now, we’re inviting everyone to take up the baton and follow in Charlie’s footsteps through the Great Australian Marathon Challenge. We’d love to see as many people as possible making a mark while helping us break barriers, build leadership, and create healthier futures through running,” he said.
The Great Australian Marathon Challenge (GAMC), launching in 2026, aims to raise funds for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation while encouraging people to run marathons across all eight States and Territories. Participants can complete them in a single year or at their own pace, earning the exclusive GAMC Medal after finishing all eight. Every entrant receives an official IMF Supporter Race Singlet.
The Indigenous Marathon Foundation runs several programs, including the IMP (Indigenous Marathon Project), I-CAN (Indigenous Communities, Activity and Nutrition), and RAW (Running and Walking). Each initiative focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and empowering communities through active living and leadership.
The Foundation’s message is simple—every stride can make a difference. Through Maher’s example, the GAIMC has become more than a personal challenge; it represents a call for collective action and pride in movement.
To register interest for the 2026 Great Australian Marathon Challenge, visit www.imf.org.au/gamc.
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