The International Sāmoa Marathon is moving to Upolu for the first time, with organisers preparing to host runners from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States in the capital next month.
The event, previously held in Savai’i since 2016, will now take place in Apia, with race day set for early June. It will be the first full marathon hosted in the capital since the US Veterans’ event, led by Afoafouvale Mark Moors, ended in 2014.
“This move gives us the chance to showcase Apia and make the most of the capital’s accessibility,” said organisers.
“The Savai’i course was beautiful, but it’s time for a change.”
All races will end in town, with start times set overnight or early morning to avoid Saturday traffic and heat. Full marathon runners will begin at Manono Uta at 1:00am and 2:30am.
The half marathon starts from Faleāsi’u at 5:00am, followed by the 10 km at Fale’ula at 6:00am and the 6 km from Vaitele at 6:30am.
Local registration fees are, Marathon – $120, Half – $60, 10 km – $40, and 6 km – $20.
All full marathon participants this year are international entrants, including a Sāmoan based in Australia. In the last two years, 34 overseas runners have competed in the full marathon alone, excluding other distances.
Interest in the event is spreading. A German sports journalist and tour operator, Klaus Weidt, visited in April to scout locations for a running group scheduled for 2027. Weidt said he plans to promote the event through Germany’s ‘German Road Races’ network.
“This could help raise international interest in the event,” he said.
In another move to grow the event’s profile, the Sāmoa Marathon is teaming up with the Amerika Sāmoa Marathon, with both races now set in the same week to appeal to international runners keen to complete two races in one trip.
Meanwhile, local interest continues through the Sāmoa Run Series. In March, 38 runners took part in the Falefā Falls 10 km run, enjoying lush mountain views, ocean scenery and even a cow-induced delay. In April, the South Coast 12 km loop from Maninoa to Vaie’e drew a smaller but enthusiastic group, including expat runner Peter Sexton.
“The rain clearing up right at the start was such a bonus,” he said. “And honestly, the (cold) niu at the end was the best part!”
Next in the run series is the Tanoa 10 km on 24 May around the Mulinu’u Peninsula, with distances from 3.3 km to 10 km. No pre-registration is needed—runners can show up on the day.
For more details, visit the official event website or follow updates through Samoa International Events.
