When Tevita Sokiveta runs in the Munro Leys Namosi Marathon in six weeks’ time, he will not be running “alone”.
He will have all rheumatic heart disease (RHD) stricken patients close to his heart.
The one time Suva Zone II senior boys 100m champ says he will be running again this year to raise awareness on the disease.
Sokiveta himself was diagnosed with the disease when he was a child.
While running a marathon can be a painful endeavour, he believes running a race can offer a number of other benefits.
“Come and run, it was a great experience for me,” he said of his win in the 10km event, just going out and having fun.
“I’m hoping to win again this year, to raise awareness for kids with RHD.”
The Munro Leys Namosi Marathon 2023 is Fiji’s premium trail running event which includes full and half marathons and a 10k race.
The course will follow a stretch of difficult track in the Namosi highlands used during the “World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji”.
Billed the toughest run in Fiji, expectations are that 300 runners from all over Fiji will sign up to experience the rugged beauty of Viti Levu’s interior.
Suva Marathon president Bethany Sargent says with only six weeks to go, there is still a lot of time left for fitness enthusiasts to train and prepare.
Those who wish to register can visit NamosiMarathon.org to sign up.
The fee is $5 for kids, $50 for adults.
International runners have to fork out $250 and Sargent is hoping they will come out and experience the diversity of Fiji’s landscape.
“Fiji is not only about its beautiful beaches, it is also about the amazing mountains and adventures,” said Sargent.
“I want to encourage everyone to get out, and run whether you are just a beginner or a competitive athlete.
“Let’s all get together and have fun.”
The Namosi Marathon will be held on July 1.
