Over 150 runners from athletic clubs, groups of friends, families, corporates and community groups participated in the first ever Pacific Harbour 10 kilometre and half marathon event yesterday.
Event organisers said that runners were encouraged to wear orange in support of the 16 days of activism campaign to end gender-based violence.
Race Director, Marita Manley said her team was thrilled to be back organising the Suva Marathon races after COVID-19 had stalled running events over the past 6 months.
She said the event saw new and experienced runners and friends take to the beautiful streets of Pacific Harbour to celebrate and promote fun, healthy and active lifestyles in Fiji.
Annie Crookes, winner of the women’s half marathon category lauded the well organised event.
“It was hard work, really hard work, but you know it’s always worth it when you get to the end. The marshals had perfect signalling and it was well organized,” Crookes said.
“It is fantastic to see the work the Suva Marathon Club does to create events that are both serious for those who want to try hard and supportive for those who want to work towards their first running goal.”
18-year-old Danny Douglas, winner of the men’s 10km race said that he hopes to be part of the Fiji Team.
“I’ve made myself proud and my family back at home. This wasn’t just a goal for me – it is also for everyone who wants to run, keep trying and do your best.”
While not an official event in 2021, veteran Fiji runners Ilaitia Nainoca and Anne Cowley completed four laps of the course to finish a full marathon.
Anne Cowley, who has been running in the Suva Marathon since 2014, said the 42 kilometre run was really long but the course was absolutely stunning.
The organisers of the 2021 Pacific Harbour Half and 10 kilometre event thanked the sponsors for their support.
The sponors included Allfreight Logistics (AFL), Vodafone, Munro Leys, EY and GHD and partners Fiji Water, The Establishment, Mana Coffee, Volunteer First Responders, Medical Services Pacific, The Festivals Company, media and by the local Pacific Harbour community including the Police and Fire Service.
Major sponsor, AFL, said they are looking forward to working closely with Suva Marathon Club’s upcoming events.
“We are a logistics company but we also work on the health and benefits of the people – that’s why we came on board to assist the Suva Marathon.”
Tourism Fiji’s CEO, Brent Hill, participated in the event with his wife.
“It’s so wonderful to have events happening again in Fiji. At Tourism Fiji, we support tourism opportunities large and small and the Pacific Harbour 10km is a great example of a well-run event that will play a role in tourism,” he said.
The Suva Marathon Club said that their mission is to act as a focal point for long distancing running and to organise world-class running events in Suva and elsewhere in Fiji to encourage healthier lifestyles.
The Club said that they encourage new and experienced runners alike and supports runners to achieve their fitness and personal goals.
