Traditional protocols performed for the Namosi Marathon
ABOUT 200 runners from across Fiji have taken up the challenge to run Fiji’s first trail run with two days to go to the predicted toughest marathon yet for Fiji runners.
The largest numbers have registered for the 10 kilometres, while as of Wednesday, 13 have done so to run the 42 kilometre full marathon, and 32 to run the half marathon.
Event organisers, the Suva Marathon Club, spent the last two weeks fulfilling traditional protocols and holding discussions with relevant governmental and Namosi Provincial Council officials informing them of the event, logistical undertakings and ways to involve the Vanua of Namosi in the event.
Club secretary Noeline Mallam and board member Elliot Wright presented their sevusevu to Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua on Wednesday last, seeking traditional blessings from the province of Namosi to hold the event.
A well-known sportsman in his day, Ratu Suli had heard of the club and responded positively saying “this is a blessing for Namosi”, this being the first Fiji marathon along the route, something he felt the people of Namosi will all be excited about too, said Mallam of their discussion with the Tui Namosi.
“Ratu Suli discussed the traffic management plan with the club and the volunteers providing support, including the volunteer first responders who have been a long-term supporter of the Suva Marathon Club events,” Mallam added.
The club with Ratu Suli’s assistance on Friday officially informed provincial and district office representatives and will meet with relevant tikina representatives along the run route next week.
“The province and people of Namosi have been very generous in supporting the event,” she said.
“A number of villages are also getting involved in the run as volunteers, providing their homes as water stops and allowing use of their bathrooms. We’re especially thankful for the tremendous support from Tarisi and Kali Vunidilo who are allowing use of their Gasaudrau Farm for the day and have connected us with many people keen to support the event,” she added.
“On our part we’re trying to source as much as we can from Namosi such as the use of carriers to shuttle runners and volunteers on the day, catering, refreshments and accommodation so we too can give back as much as we take in enjoying the beauty and terrain that the Namosi trail offers,” said Run director Marita Manley.
“We are also delighted that our long standing partners Island Chill and Munro Leys are supporting the event and Tourism Fiji have also confirmed support for the event which will enable us to showcase Namosi to a wider audience,” she added.
Yesterday race committee member, Elliot Wright met with tikina and village heads the marathon road passes through to introduce the event to them and to the people gathered at a function for the province.
“It’s really heart-warming, as we have communities who have volunteered from a number of villages to assist at the water stations.”
Official registrations for the event has closed, however the club will accommodate anyone who has been training and had issues with the online registration system. Information on the run and maps of routes, etc can be found at https://namosimarathon.org
Fees are as follows:
Full and half marathon: $20 registration fee and $20 bus.
The bus will leave MH Superfresh at 4.30 am on Saturday October 17.
10km: $10 registration fee. Race starts close to Namosi Secondary School at 7am.
“The start of the race is close to the Namosi Secondary School. We ask that all 10km runners get themselves to the start of the race. Please car pool or even better, stay at Namosi Eco Retreat the night before so that you’ll be close to the start.
“A carrier will run shuttle runs from the retreat to the start and finish back to your vehicles. Please also stay for the after race brunch at Namosi Eco Retreat ($20pp) and book directly with them in advance,” said Manley.
■ SADHANA SEN is a Communications Adviser and freelance journalist. She is also a board member of the Suva Marathon Club. Views expressed in this article are hers and not necessarily of The Fiji Times.