2026 TCS SYDNEY MARATHON presented by asics: foundation partner
We Run Foundation
The We Run Foundation is transforming running into a movement with meaning.
It’s about more than marathons; it’s about breaking barriers, empowering underrepresented communities, and creating experiences that truly change lives.
Here to empower the next generation by normalising movement in youth and inspiring all members of our society, We Run champions equity, access and belonging, and ensuring that everyone has the tools, motivation and confidence to get moving.
Running with impact means thinking beyond the finish line.
We Run is committed to sustainability - not only environmentally, but socially - creating events and programs that nurture communities, foster inclusion and leave a legacy.
From research that drives meaningful change to real stories that touch hearts, We Run turns every kilometre into an opportunity to give back, especially to youth in marginalised communities, helping them to feel inspired and supported.
By partnering with government, grassroots organisations and changemakers - in addition to using the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS as a stage to promote community - We Run is shaping a stronger, more connected future where running empowers, unites and transforms communities.
How your support makes a difference:
The We Run Foundation is powered by purpose-driven partnerships - from government to grassroots - united in creating real-world impact.
Funds raised go towards enhancing community health and wellbeing through free events designed to promote guidance, connection, volunteering and work experience opportunities. The We Run Foundation also holds monthly run clubs to build connections throughout our community, ensuring participants have the opportunity to meet and move towards the start line together.
In 2026, We Run is supporting more than 400 young people from marginalised backgrounds to reach the start line of the TCS Sydney Mini Marathon. Alongside our partners Run Beyond, TriMob and Deadly Runners, these young people will also participate in a youth summit on Friday, 28 August. Coming from Intensive English Centre (IEC) locations across Western Sydney and as far afield as Lightning Ridge in northern New South Wales, participants will enjoy an event weekend designed to provide a life-changing experience through the power of running.
Continuing to work with the intersectional communities within our network remains a priority for We Run. Increasing women's participation in running is a focus in 2026, particularly through our partnership with the NSW Office of Sport and the Run My Way strategy. This work includes delivering Track Night sessions exclusively for women and gender-diverse participants and supporting extensive research into women's experiences in the sport.
Following our membership with Pride in Sport in 2025, we have elevated our involvement to Principal Partner this year, further demonstrating our commitment to fostering safe, inclusive and equitable environments for LGBTQIA+ runners across the community.
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Eric Chau ran the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the We Run Foundation.
“I believe running is one of the most inclusive sports because anyone can take part, regardless of background or experience,” he says.
“It has the power to uplift people by helping to set meaningful goals and build the confidence to overcome life’s challenges.
“The We Run Foundation resonates with me because it shares that same belief, creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities to have the sense of growth and accomplishment that running a marathon brings. That’s why I was so proud to run for the We Run Foundation at the 2025 Chicago Marathon.”
At the beginning of 2025, 26-year-old Jasmine Al-Zoubi from Western Sydney launched the Sydney Muslim Run Club, the first of its kind in Australia, with the support of the We Run Foundation.
“The collaborative impact of the We Run Foundation working with the Sydney Muslim Run Club is meaningful and profound,” she says.
“We Run’s support has not only contributed to the initial establishment of the Sydney Muslim Run Club, but it continues to play an integral role in the club’s growth, enabling it to reach and engage more Muslims across Sydney and beyond.
“For the first time in Australia, Muslims are actively participating in and shaping the broader running community. Many participants join the club and begin running for the first time.
“Others take part in events for the first time, gaining confidence in a supportive environment that celebrates their identity and fosters wellbeing, connection and belonging.
“The opportunities We Run provides our runners with, such as the chance to run in the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, leads members of the club to fulfil goals they never dreamed of achieving.
“Beyond the Muslim community, We Run helps the Sydney Muslim Run Club to connect with the wider Sydney running community, breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful relationships with other clubs and runners. This collaboration amplifies the voices of Muslim runners and provides platforms to be seen and heard while strengthening inclusion from the grassroots level. Through these connections, the Sydney Muslim Run Club has become part of a diverse and vibrant running network, both locally and internationally, creating lasting opportunities for engagement, representation, and impact across the broader community.
“We Run has united communities and shaped lives in a manner we could have never dreamed of as a society.”
Nat Heath is the Founder and CEO of TRIMOB and worked extensively with the TCS Sydney Marathon to develop its First Nations Strategy.
“Working with the We Run Foundation and the TCS Sydney Marathon team has been one of the great privileges for TRIMOB,” he says. “Their leadership and willingness to lean into working alongside First Nations people and communities to create real positive outcomes has been first class.
“What sets this partnership apart is their genuineness in turning ideas into actions – from the very beginning, they have created genuine relationships, made space for First Nations participation, and incorporated First Nations culture into the event's narrative and fabric.
“Together, we've achieved remarkable outcomes including supporting over 300 First Nations runners in the Sydney Marathon and establishing the first-ever First Nations Strategy for a World Marathon Major. Through our Mob the Marathon program, we're empowering 20 First Nations people annually to complete the Sydney Marathon with structured training and health literacy support."
“We're honoured to continue working step by step with the We Run Foundation on the next phase to support First Nations youth to participate in the Mini Marathon, ensuring the First Nations Strategy has a positive impact for First Nations people, event participants, and broader society.”
Meet Our We Runners
We run foundation
Every step taken under the We Run Foundation moves people, communities and societies forward.
Join the movement and turn every kilometre you run into real impact, creating opportunities for marginalised young Aussies, supporting underserved communities in need, and driving ground-breaking research and innovative sustainability initiatives.
Run with purpose. Run for change. Run with We Run.
Plan your perfect race day with our Official Smart Map.
Powered by PAM, our new live navigation platform helps you get the most out of race weekend with real-time maps, road closures, spectator viewing locations, entertainment, food and drink, transport options and event activations all in one place.
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