Territorian Jack Stevens named new head coach of Indigenous Marathon Project

A Territorian with a passion for running and Indigenous health aims to support and inspire the next generation in his new role as the Indigenous Marathon Project head coach. Read what it means to him.

Darwin's Jack Stevens has been named the Indigenous Marathon Project head coach.

A Territorian with a huge passion for long distance running and Indigenous health and wellbeing has been named the new head coach of the prestigious Indigenous Marathon Project.

Jack Stevens graduated from the IMP in 2023 and will officially start in the top coaching role on January 29 as applications open for selection in the 2025 IMP squad.

Stevens grew up in Darwin before moving to Melbourne to study at RMIT and Monash universities, after which he established his career there.

The proud Gunggandji man started his marathon journey with the Indigenous Marathon Project in 2023.

He completed his first 42km run that same year when he travelled to New York alongside his fellow IMP runners.

Jack Stevens’ first marathon was the 2023 New York marathon.

It puts him in the footsteps of fellow Territorian Charlie Maher, from Central Australia, who was among the first IMP graduates and became the first Indigenous Australian to run the six majors.

Maher will this year be running eight marathons across Australia to raise awareness from Indigenous youth.

Stevens said it was a huge honour to be selected as head coach, becoming the third IMP graduate to take on the important role after Adrian Dodson-Shaw and Hope Davison.

“I’m honoured to serve as the IMP Head Coach and give back to a program that’s invested so much in me,” he said.

“The ripple effect created by graduates within their communities and across the country inspires me and I want to help support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.”

Stevens has more than five years’ experience in Indigenous community engagement within the higher education sector and has a deep passion for distance running strengthened by the IMF.

“A marathon is no easy feat,” he said.

Yet, it’s the small, repeated efforts in training that compound over time to create something extraordinary.

“It’s a journey of resilience, patience, and belief in the process. I’m thrilled to coach and support this year’s IMP Squad as they work towards running their first marathon.”

Jack Stevens hopes to inspire the next generation of Indigenous runners.

The IMP is now in its 16th year and has produced 156 graduates, who have completed a six month health, wellbeing and leadership journey.

IMF/IMP founder and director and former world marathon champion Robert de Castella AO MBE said Stevens is the perfect fit as head coach.

“I’m excited to see what Jack will bring to the role,” said de Castella.

“He’ll do a great job of building on the work of fellow graduates, Adrian Dodson-Shaw and Hope Davison, who’ve previously held the role as Head Coach of the IMP program.”

Originally published as Territorian Jack Stevens named new head coach of Indigenous Marathon Project