CURE Kids Race to Survive Fiji has exceeded its $500,000 fundraising target, raising $628,466 for children’s healthcare after five days of physical challenges, teamwork and community activities.
The event concluded at Mercure in Nadi yesterday, bringing together more than 60 competitors and crew from the hospitality and tourism industries in Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.
Returning after an eight-year absence, the 2026 challenge featured three teams — Yadra, Yaloqaqa and Duavata — competing across the Mamanuca Islands and the Nadi region.
The competition tested participants through running, swimming, kayaking, hiking, volleyball, tug-of-war and problem-solving challenges.
One of the toughest tasks was a 4.2-kilometre run from Novotel Nadi to Mercure Nadi in 28-degree heat, while a scavenger hunt on Monuriki Island required teams to search for more than 60 hidden boxes.
Cure Kids Fiji board member and event coordinator Murray Davison praised the competitors for their fundraising efforts and commitment throughout the challenge.
“We are so proud of all our competitors, not only for their incredible fundraising efforts prior to the event, but also for their efforts over the last five days,” Davison said.
“Our goal was to showcase everyday life here in Fiji and highlight the beautiful culture of the people of Fiji, while ensuring they saw first-hand where the funds they raised would go to make a life-changing difference.”
Beyond the competition, participants visited villages, schools and health facilities to see how their fundraising would benefit local communities.
At Mamanuca District Primary School, competitors helped repaint classrooms, install roofing along a walkway and distribute donated dental supplies.
They also played touch rugby with students before kicking more than 50 new rugby balls across the field for the children to collect.
A visit to Yanuya Nursing Station highlighted the importance of reliable healthcare in maritime communities, with participants learning how solar power supports oxygen equipment and vaccine refrigeration.
Cure Kids Fiji chairman Tony Whitton said the funds would strengthen the organisation’s partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The money will support rheumatic heart disease screening, treatment and continuing care, alongside medical oxygen services for children with serious respiratory illnesses.
The fundraising will also help expand school and village screening, community awareness and health worker training.
