My name is Avikesh Raju. I am 23 years old and come from Naidrodro in Ba. I studied at Xavier College and hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems.
Today, I work as an analyst at KPMG. Outside of work, I keep myself active through running, soccer, and fishing.
Athletics has played an important role in shaping my journey, and it has helped me earn a place in winning marathon teams in Suva and Namosi.
Running was not something I initially planned to pursue. It began in Year 9, when my coach, Krishneel Singh Thakur, noticed my potential and encouraged me to take up long-distance running.
With his guidance and the support of my parents, especially my father, Sudesh Raju, I gradually developed a strong passion for the sport.
At the moment, my training for the Namosi Challenge is moderate, with individual sessions three times a week and one team session.
As marathon season approaches from May, our routine becomes more structured and demanding to prepare for the challenging terrain of Namosi.
The training is designed to build the strength, fitness, and discipline we need for race day.
In 2025, we formed the Blister Bros Athletics Team. Some of us have known each other since our Xavier College days, while others joined from different backgrounds.
The team was created as a way to stay connected, motivated, and active despite our busy schedules. With support from Vanguard Logistics and Services, we established ourselves as an official team and have continued to grow.
This year, we are also grateful to be sponsored by Engineered Designs for the upcoming Namosi Challenge.
Our team is made up of students and working professionals, including tutors, engineers, nurses, teachers, and one of the lead dancers from the MATA dance group, Ashan Naickar.
We also have a Blister Dads team for the Namosi Challenge, which includes our coaches and fathers who want to embrace healthy living and active lifestyles.
Through Team Blister Bros, we have brought together friends and family, including many who had never run a marathon before.
Watching them grow, take on challenges, and transform through running has been incredibly rewarding. Since 2019, we have been running marathons, but forming our own team gave us a stronger identity.
The Namosi trails continue to call us back every year because of the challenge, the scenery, and the experience.
We encourage young people, especially in Ba, to embrace healthy activities and stay away from negative influences.
We also remind older people that it is never too late to start. Namosi trails call again in 2026 — who will rise to the Namosi Challenge?
Namosi trails calls again this 2026 — who will rise to the Namosi Challenge?
