A Perth businessman says running may hold the key to helping homeless Australians transform their lives.

Keegan Crage, who launched not-for-profit running program On My Feet in late 2014, said he was inspired to act after witnessing homeless people while running an ultra-marathon.

Believing they might also benefit from the positive effects of exercise, Mr Crage began visiting homeless shelters, sharing meals with residents and inviting them to come for a run.

“I told them: ‘Running is pure, simple, makes you feel great, I’ll provide the gear...and if you make the effort I’ll reward you with pathways to education and employment’,” Mr Crage told 9news.com.au.

Kyle Holtzman (left) is one of the 100 plus people to participate in the program. (James Carmody)

Mr Crage said that his invitation attracted a strong response, such that he decided to form an incentivised program offering custom-designed fitness gear, including shirts and shoes, to participants who are currently, or at risk of becoming, homeless.

Those with a 90 percent participation rate are also granted pathways to education and work experience, an opportunity Mr Crage says facilitates “not just self-worth and a sense of purpose…but a genuine pathway to self-sufficiency”.

“Running is a great metaphor for life - you get out of it what you put in,” he said.

Kyle Holtzman is one of the more than 100 people participating in the program, which has since expanded from Perth to Fremantle, Rockingham, Melbourne, and Cape Town, South Africa.

A homeless man who has struggled with substance abuse issues for 26 years, Mr Holtzman said On My Feet has left him with a new sense of purpose.

Members of the On My Feet running program. (James Carmody)

“It’s certainly given me a sense of community, a sense of belonging, something to strive toward. It’s given me people I can talk to, people that are prepared to support me,” he said in a video recently posted to On My Feet’s YouTube page .

With the support of On My Feet, Mr Holtzman flew earlier this week to Melbourne to participate in the Melbourne Marathon. As a reward for his commitment to the project, he has also been appointed the organisation’s recruitment manager.

Running has also seen him reunited with his estranged children, who now train with him regularly.

Mr Crage said the only requirement for those participating in his program is that they sign a contract agreeing to respect everyone else and to maintain a positive attitude.

Mr Holtzman celebrates his victory with friends. (James Carmody)

He said many participants are already enjoying permanent employment and access to education programs.

Mr Crage believes that while the program offers obvious benefits to their wellbeing, it will also have wider implications down the line.

“Every bird without a nest costs $45,000 per annum. For $200 (the cost of providing sports gear per person), we change that,” he said.

Mr Crage said he hopes to one day expand On My Feet’s operations to other Australian and international cities.

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