Dr. Jasmial Nand, a 36-year-old doctor in Suva, is training for this year’s Suva Marathon, a event that will mark the race’s 10th anniversary. The full schedule features a full marathon, half marathon, 10km and team relay, with the race kicking off at 6:00 am on September 6 from Albert Park. Nand, who has been practicing medicine for nine years, says running has become a life-changing pursuit not just for his fitness, but for his discipline as a father and his work with patients.
Nand first started running in high school, then paused for a while before reigniting his passion four years ago in Suva. He joined the Suva Marathon Club (SMC) and forged connections with fellow runners who encouraged him to push further. His most memorable race to date wasn’t the fastest or the longest, but the 2024 Team 10km event in Namosi, run in heavy rain with friends who share a love of squash. That experience, he says, stands as a proud memory and a turning point.
For Nand, running goes beyond physical fitness. It underpins his daily life as a parent and a medical professional. “As a dad, I see my five-year-old talking about exercise and trying a push-up with me,” he notes. “As a student, I keep pushing through even on days you feel like giving up. And as a doctor, it’s easy to talk to patients about healthy living when I do it myself.” He’s witnessed firsthand the wide-ranging health benefits of exercise, including lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, reduced risk of heart disease, and even lower cancer risks. He cites a large study of 55,000 adults showing that as little as 10 minutes of running per day can reduce the risk of death from any cause.
With Fiji facing a public health challenge from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity, Nand believes a simple pair of running shoes can be part of the solution. His advice for new runners is straightforward: don’t fear judgment. “Would you rather start now, or after a stroke?” he asks. He emphasizes the importance of warm-ups, proper hydration, and knowing your limits, especially for those with medical conditions. On hot days in Suva, he recommends water, bananas, and oral rehydration salts (ORS), and for race day, carb and protein loading the night before, along with a morning meal of oats, banana, and coffee. He also suggests carrying ORS and light sugars during the run. “I want to be better than I was yesterday,” he adds, echoing a lesson his father taught: if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
The Suva Marathon not only serves individual runners but also embodies a community effort. This year’s event is planned with broader participation in mind, and the Suva Marathon Club has emphasized welcoming runners of all levels, encouraging everyone to join and bring friends. The club’s broader mission includes fostering health and community spirit, with the event drawing participants from Fiji and overseas.
Industry support also plays a role in the event’s growth. Motibhai Group recently stepped in as the official sponsor for the 10-kilometre race, naming it under the Rexona brand after presenting a 15,000-dollar contribution at a signing ceremony. This partnership reflects the ongoing collaboration between local businesses and the Suva Marathon Club to promote healthier lifestyles and stronger community ties. Ambassadors like Yeshnil Karan—who recently won double gold at the Pacific Mini Games—also highlight the event’s expanding reach and its appeal to both competitive runners and beginners alike.
Beyond the Suva Marathon, the Suva Marathon Club’s community footprint extends to projects connected with endurance events. For example, fundraising efforts tied to the Namosi Challenge have supported tangible community needs, such as funding a footbridge over the Wainikoroiluva River to improve access to education and healthcare for hundreds of villagers. These initiatives illustrate how running events in Fiji can drive social good while offering a platform for personal growth and collective pride.
For those preparing to run, coaches and seasoned participants in the Suva Marathon Club circuit offer practical guidance. Many suggest tapering in the final week before a long race, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest. While pace is important, the emphasis remains on enjoying the experience and supporting one another, with walking accepted for those who prefer to take in Fiji’s scenic routes.
In summary, Nand’s story reflects a broader trend in Fiji: running is increasingly viewed as medicine for the mind and body, a catalyst for healthier lifestyles, and a unifying force for communities. As the Suva Marathon approaches its 10th anniversary, the event stands as a beacon of health, resilience, and shared purpose—inviting people of all backgrounds to lace up, move, and discover the life-changing potential of running.
Editor’s note: The Suva Marathon is scheduled for September 6, with multiple race options designed to accommodate runners at every level. Expect a vibrant mix of local and international participants, strong community involvement, and ongoing corporate support that signals a bright, hopeful future for Fiji’s running scene. If you’re new to running, this event could be your moment to begin a healthier, more active chapter.
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