Australian sporting greats Johnathan ‘JT’ Thurston and Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin came together on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday 3 August, to help launch a national campaign for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF).
Fresh from completing the Sunshine Coast McDonald’s Half Marathon, with official times of 1:34:22 for Franklin and 1:35:18 for Thurston, the pair joined members of the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) squad and IMF founder Robert de Castella AO MBE in a powerful and symbolic beach event.
At the heart of the activation is a giant sand artwork created live by Lowell Hunter, a multi-award winning First Nations sand artist who crafts large-scale works using only his feet.
The artwork represents far more than a footprint, it represents thousands of years of movement across Country, the journeys of IMF graduates and program participants, and the opportunity for everyone to be a part of the next chapter.
The campaign is a call to action for all Australians to ‘Make Your Mark’.
In a digital twist, everyone is invited to make their mark online by collecting limited edition digital player cards featuring JT and Buddy, using their real running data.
Each card purchase acts as a digital donation, a shareable statement of support.
Donations support IMF’s mission to create First Nations leaders and close the health and education gap through a range of proven running and walking programs.
Lance Franklin said, “Our IMP runners are out there carrying culture and community with every step they take.”
“We’re proud to stand with them on the journey and be part of something creating ripple effects of change.”
Support the campaign: donate.imf.org.au
