The Suva Marathon Club, in collaboration with Westpac Bank, is preparing for the annual International Women’s Day (IWD) running event, taking place on March 8. This year, the event will feature a 10-kilometer race starting at 6:00 AM, followed by a 5-kilometer race at 6:30 AM, both set along the beautiful Nasese sea front, commencing from the Grand Pacific Hotel carpark.
In its third iteration, this event aims to empower women to adopt an active lifestyle and participate in sports, in alignment with the global theme of International Women’s Day. Nancy Simpson, president of the Suva Marathon Club, expressed the organization’s goal of using fitness as a means to motivate women, celebrate their achievements in sports, and encourage them to engage in endurance events like marathons.
The IWD event is expected to attract between 100 to 150 runners, with walkers also welcome to join the festivities. Simpson emphasized that this occasion transcends mere competition: “We’re creating a supportive, inclusive community where women can break barriers, promote their health and well-being, and connect with others who share the same goals.”
Since its establishment, the Suva Marathon Club has experienced a steady increase in participants, indicating a rising interest in health, fitness, and wellness among women. Simpson also pointed out the ongoing opportunities for community engagement beyond the IWD event, highlighting the club’s monthly runs every first Saturday at the Suva Bowling Club. Exciting upcoming events include the Namosi Marathon Challenge on June 7 and the Suva Marathon on September 6, which will feature a half marathon and various other challenges.
This year’s celebration of International Women’s Day is set to continue the trend of empowering women, promoting health and wellness, and providing a platform for women to celebrate their accomplishments while encouraging greater participation in physical activities.
In a related note, recent events held by the Suva Marathon Club, such as the Namosi Challenge, have garnered substantial participation, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for endurance sports in Fiji despite challenging weather conditions. This reflects a strong community spirit that aligns with the motivations behind the IWD running event.
Overall, the Suva Marathon Club’s initiatives offer a hopeful perspective on the empowerment and community involvement of women through sports and fitness.
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