It isn’t the medals or the finishing times that define the Suva Marathon Club.
It’s the mornings when strangers become friends, when the streets of Suva come alive with footsteps and when a simple run becomes a movement for health, community and purpose.
After digging into the club’s history and speaking with runners and organisers, I discovered that what began in 2014 as a handful of enthusiasts running along the Nasese seawall has grown into one of the Pacific’s most influential sporting clubs.
The founders had a clear goal: inspire Fijians to lead healthier lives at a time when non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension were rising sharply.
From humble beginnings to signature events
In its early years, the Suva Marathon Club (SMC) focused on building a running community.
Beginners and seasoned athletes came together for weekly social runs, sharing tips, encouragement and motivation.
These small gatherings laid the groundwork for larger events and a culture of inclusivity.
By 2017, the Island Chill Suva Marathon had emerged as the club’s flagship event.
With full and half marathons, team competitions and fun runs, the event attracted hundreds of participants and drew in sponsors, including Bank South Pacific.
The club’s growth was formalised in 2019 when it was registered as the Suva Marathon Trust.
That year also marked a milestone for athletes: the marathon course was certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the IAAF, making it a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Innovation amid challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented unprecedented challenges, but SMC turned adversity into opportunity.
The club launched the Namosi Marathon, Fiji’s first official trail-running event.
Set across rugged highlands, the 42kilometres, 21km, and 10km races tested participants with rivers, hills and muddy terrain.
The event also became a platform for giving back.
In 2023, over $20,000 was raised for Cure Kids Fiji, supporting the fight against rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
Hundreds of runners, including international participants, joined the cause, proving that SMC is as much about community and charity as it is about competition.
A community built on running
During my past conversations with some club members, the emphasis on community became clear.
Weekly social runs, monthly events and special races like the International Women’s Day run in March have made running accessible to everyone.
Beginners, students and elite athletes often share the track side by side, building camaraderie and encouraging each other.
The club’s approachable culture has been noticed online as well.
A Reddit user shared: “They’ve organised running classes every week with a coach that’s basically free. You can meet other regular runners.”
For many, SMC is more than a club, it’s a supportive community.
Leadership and legacy
Much of the club’s growth and welcoming spirit came under the leadership of Nancy Chute.
Her presidency, which ended in last month, July 5, 2025, was marked by inclusivity, outreach and expansion across Suva and beyond.
Speaking with those involved, it was clear that her guidance helped shape a club that has become a cornerstone of running culture in Fiji.
Looking ahead
As the club prepares for the 2025 Munro Leys Suva Marathon next month, the future looks bright.
From a handful of friends jogging along a seawall to organising Fiji’s largest road races and international trail events, the Suva Marathon Club has proven that running is about more than distance.
It is about people, purpose and community and the journey is only continuing.
Meanwhile, the Suva Munro Leys Suva Marathon that will take place on September 6, features several race categories to suit different levels of runners.
The main event is the full marathon, a challenging course that covers a distance of 42.2km.
For those looking for a shorter challenge, the Munro Leys Half Marathon offers a 21.1-km race.
There’s also the Rexona 10km Road Race, which is slightly longer than a standard 10k at 10.55km.
Additionally, the Rexona Team Marathon allows participants to compete in a group format, where each team member runs 10.55km, collectively completing the full marathon distance of 42.2km.