Indigenous Marathon Project partners with Run Port Douglas

Run Port Douglas

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Charlie Maher, one of the inaugural Indigenous Marathon Foundation runners, hugs a supporter after an event. Picture: IMF

The excitement is building and with just over 16 weeks to go until the fourth edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival, which will be held from September 12 to 14, a new partnership with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) has been announced. 

Festival Director Bade Stapleton revealed the news on Wednesday.

“Our new RUN PORT DOUGLAS event is an awesome new addition to the event program this year,’’ Stapleton said.

“A partnership with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation will help provide the opportunity for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in RUN PORT DOUGLAS,” he said. 

RUN PORT DOUGLAS is a new addition to the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival in 2025 and includes a 21.1km Half Marathon and 10km, 5km and 2km run events on Saturday, September 13. 

Douglas Shire Mayor, Lisa Scomazzon said she was pleased to see the festival recognise and celebrate the community’s cultural diversity. 

“This new partnership between the Indigenous Marathon Foundation partner and the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival should be commended. Council welcomes any initiative that encourages inclusivity and community,” Mayor Scomazzon said. 

Brendan Larcombe, IMF Running and Walking (RAW) Redlynch run leader and proud Bundjalung man, is excited about getting involved in RUN PORT DOUGLAS.

“Running is when I feel most free. It is a vehicle for change, growth, and becoming. Our run club is built on respect for each other, our culture, and a sense of belonging — and to help inspire a healthy lifestyle.

“We appreciate the opportunity for our young people to participate in the 5km event in September, which is a reward for all their hard work,” Brendan Larcombe said. 

“As a proud Kuku Yalanji man with connections to Country stretching from Cooktown down to Mossman, it’s powerful to see an event like this taking place on country — bringing people together in the spirit of health, resilience, and community.

“IMF is committed to creating change through running, and this partnership is a step forward in celebrating Indigenous strength, culture, and leadership in the running space,” IMF RAW run leader TJ Cora (also known as Timothy Stephens) said. 

“The main events of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival will continue with the Hartley’s to Port MTB Race also finishing on Four Mile Beach on Saturday, September 13. Then the 136km & 100km Gran Fondo, 60km Semi Fondo and 48km Medio Fondo will all happen on Sunday, September 14,” said Festival Director, Mr Stapleton. 

“The Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival now has an event for everyone, whether you are a cyclist or just enjoy getting outside for a run or walk. Entries for all events are now open! Visit www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au to enter the ride events and www.runportdouglas.com.au to enter the running events,” he said. 

The 2025 Port Douglas Gran Fondo is proudly supported by Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Cairns Airport, Pacific Toyota, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas and Triple M Cairns.

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