Beth Sargent, president of the Suva Marathon, expressed her astonishment at the remarkable participation of over 500 runners at the Namosi Challenge held on Saturday, despite unfavorable weather conditions.
The event included a half marathon (21km), a 10km individual marathon, and a team marathon where groups of four completed the full marathon by each running 10km.
This marked Sargent’s third time participating in the Namosi Challenge, as she wanted to take advantage of the stunning surroundings. Being a member of the Suva Marathon club, she was also involved in organizing the event and was delighted to witness the passion and resolve showcased by the participants.
“This is the third time I have done the Namosi Challenge, and I was part of organizing this event,” Sargent remarked. “It was an amazing race; although the rain made it soggy, it didn’t deter the more than 500 runners from coming out to compete.”
Despite the wet conditions, the runners demonstrated commendable resilience and determination throughout the race. Sargent highlighted the scenic views and the local community support along the route, which contributed to the overall experience.
“It was so beautiful out here. The hills can be challenging, but the views and the community support make the effort worthwhile,” she stated.
Sargent was notably impressed by the runners’ perseverance and spirit as they overcame the tough conditions without giving up. She encouraged others to participate in future events, emphasizing the course’s beauty and the satisfaction that accompanies completing such a demanding race.