TIAGO Ribeiro is Portuguese and arrived in Fiji in 2019. He is currently based in Suva where he works as Project Manager in a construction company.
In his late 30s, this fitness enthusiast is returning to the highlands for a second time with even bigger ambitions.
“Realizing that I finished second at the end of the course in 2025, in my first attempt, has left a lasting impression on me,” he said.
His achievements continue to fuel his passion for running, fitness, and personal growth.
Although he cannot pinpoint when his running journey began, sport has always been part of life from a young age.
Having competed in various sports, his focus has remained on staying healthy, fit and active.
That mindset now drives a disciplined training routine built around hybrid sports, functional workouts and weekly running mileage that can range from 50km to as much as 70km.
Preparation for the Namosi Challenge is demanding. Training often includes double sessions from Monday to Friday, with rest days reserved for Wednesday and Saturday.
Sundays are set aside for long runs of between 15km and 30km, helping build the endurance needed for tough road races.
For Tiago, the appeal of Namosi lies in the experience as much as the competition.
The goal is to enjoy the day out in the highlands, while also trying to improve on last year’s time.
When asked about personal growth, for Tiago “running and sports in general are a big part of my daily routine and that has a big influence on my life.
“It really impacts the way I think, the way I behave and the way I feel in general. Body and mind have to be aligned so you can keep motivated daily.”
Beyond personal achievement, he believes events like the Namosi Challenge are important for Fiji’s sporting landscape, offering people a chance to gather, compete and be inspired.
Tiago encourages newcomers to stay consistent, set realistic targets and join a supportive running club.
