A GRUELLING 68km journey through Ra will today mark the beginning of what organisers hope will become one of Fiji’s biggest endurance challenges, with 17 ultra runners taking part in the inaugural Mangroves to Mountains race.
Over two days, the runners will cover 68km through mangroves, farmland, river crossings and mountainous terrain, tackling a route that organisers hope will one day form part of a much larger coast-to-coast challenge across Viti Levu.
The race begins at Nanumi Au Eco Village, where runners gathered yesterday for final preparations before setting off on the first 30km stage to Nananu Village.
But this is no ordinary run.
The opening day takes competitors beneath the Nakauvadra ridge before sending them into a steep climb through Yaqara farmland. After an overnight stop in Nananu, the runners will face an even tougher 38km journey tomorrow, finishing at Savulelele Waterfall near Nabalesere.
For organisers, however, the inaugural event is about much more than who reaches the finish line first.
The race is being staged by Talanoa Treks as a test event for a proposed five-day coast-to-coast ultramarathon across Viti Levu in 2027.
Event co-ordinator Marita Manley said the race would challenge competitors physically and mentally while also testing the route and logistics for the larger event planned for next year.
“This is a test event for a larger event next year, and we’re really thankful for the time and commitment the community in Ra has put into this event,” Manley said.
“This course is not about competing with other runners – it is a competition against the terrain and yourself.”
The event has brought together eight communities along the route, with Nanumi Au Eco Village, Nabalesere Co-operative, Yaqara Pastoral Company, Rakiraki Town Council, Fiji Pine and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board also involved.
Warm and humid conditions are expected to add another layer to the challenge, with runners advised to carefully manage their pace and use stream crossings along the route to cool down.
While only 17 runners will line up for this inaugural journey, organisers hope the event will lay the groundwork for something far bigger.
If successful, the Mangroves to Mountains race could become the first step towards bringing endurance athletes from around the world to Fiji to take on a five-day journey from coast to coast.
For now, though, the challenge is simple: 68km of Ra’s rugged landscape stand between the runners and the finish line.
