After years of planning races, cheering on runners and bringing people together through distance running, Nancy Chute has stepped down as president of the Suva Marathon Club.
She was officially farewelled on Saturday, July 5 during the launch of the 2025 Munro Leys Suva Marathon, an event that started like any other Club social run but ended with a quiet goodbye for someone who’s helped shape the Club into what it is today.
“It’s definitely a mix of emotions, there’s a sense of pride and fulfillment, but also a little sadness,” she said.
“The Suva Marathon Club has been such a huge part of my life and still is. I’ll miss the energy, the community, and the shared passion we all have for running.”
Chute joined the club several years ago and stepped into the leadership role during a time of growth and rebuilding.
Under her guidance, the Suva Marathon and Namosi Marathon both expanded in size and reputation.
More importantly, the club itself became a space where anyone, no matter their fitness level, felt welcome.
“I’m incredibly proud of how inclusive and welcoming the club has become,” she said.
“We’ve created a space where everyone, from first-time walkers to seasoned runners, feels like they belong.”
Saturday’s launch included a 5kilometres and 10km run from the Suva Bowling Club.
About 60 people turned up for the morning event, which ended with fresh coconuts, laughter, and hugs, the kind of relaxed, feel-good moment the club is known for.
Chute admitted that watching this year’s launch as her last official event was emotional.
“It was emotional, to say the least,” she said.
“Watching the runners cross the line, seeing the volunteers working so hard and knowing how far we’ve come, it was a beautiful full-circle moment.”
Over the years, she says it’s not the admin or logistics she’ll miss the most, it’s the feeling on race weekend, when strangers turn into teammates and the city comes alive.
“I’ll miss the camaraderie and the behind-the-scenes magic that happens during marathon weekend, the early morning hustle, cheering runners at the finish line and the shared joy on people’s faces when they achieve something they never thought possible.”
Nancy will soon move overseas with her family but says she plans to continue running and stay involved with the club from afar.
“Yes, running is definitely coming with me! It’s how I stay grounded,” she said.
“Yes definitely! I am still involved. The bonds built through running are strong, no matter the distance.”
Looking ahead, she hopes the club continues to grow, especially in reaching young people and communities outside of Suva.
“I’d love to see more youth involvement, more regional participation, and continued innovation in how we engage the community.
Most of all, I hope it remains a supportive, inclusive space where everyone feels encouraged to move.”
Next year’s Suva Marathon will fall on the same weekend as the Homecoming concert in Nadi. Nancy says that’s something to celebrate, not stress over.
“Enjoy it all! Life is about balance, run or walk first in Suva, soak in the buzz of the marathon and celebrate that sense of achievement. Then, hit the road to Nadi and enjoy the concert vibes guilt-free! Being part of the marathon, in any way, brings joy and momentum that’ll stay with you long after the last song ends.”
She may be leaving her role and Fiji, but Nancy’s impact will remain.
For those who’ve run beside her, volunteered under her leadership, or simply turned up to walk on a Saturday morning, she’s helped make running in Suva something more than just fitness, she’s helped make it feel like family.
Nancy Chute during an event in 2021. Picture: SUVA MARATHON
