Over 60 athletes from around the world have registered to take part in the Sāmoa International Marathon, scheduled for Saturday 14 June in Upolu. The event has attracted runners and walkers from 14 countries, highlighting growing international interest in the race despite a smaller turnout for the full marathon this year.
Only four runners have entered the full marathon, the lowest number in four years. Among them is one local runner – the first Sāmoan resident to compete in the full marathon since 2016.
The half marathon has drawn 17 entrants, making it the most popular distance this year. Nearly 50 runners are set to take part in the 10 km race, with further entries still expected in the 6 km and 3 km events.
One notable participant in the half marathon is Salā Dr. Esmay Ah Leong, who adds a high-profile presence to the field.
Registered Participants by Country:
- Sāmoa – 30
- New Zealand – 10
- Australia – 8
- United States – 3
- Fiji – 3
- India – 2
- Japan – 2
- Poland – 1
- Germany – 1
- Austria – 1
- France – 1
- Nigeria – 1
- Mongolia – 1
- Philippines – 1
Final Registration: Friday 13 June at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
Participants must register at their allocated times:
- Marathon: 10:00 am
- Half Marathon: 10:30 am
- 10 km: 11:00 am
- 6 km & 3 km: 11:30 am
Registration closes promptly at 12:00 pm.
Media Conference
A media conference will be held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel on Friday at 10:30 am. Journalists are invited to meet the marathon runners ahead of Saturday’s race.
In Memory of Pastor Arthur Mulitalo
This week also marks the loss of a respected figure in Sāmoa’s triathlon and cycling community. Pastor Arthur Mulitalo, who played a pivotal role in the early development of triathlon in Sāmoa, has passed away.
Pastor Arthur introduced his children to the sport when triathlon was first launched in Sāmoa in 2013. His sons, Gideon and Urlin, went on to represent the country in triathlon and cycling at national level. He himself took part in events such as the Mt Vaea Challenge in 2015 – a gruelling course from the Town Clock to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum via Palisi.
Pastor Arthur served faithfully at Rhema Ministries and lived by example, balancing his pastoral work with active support of his children’s sporting journeys. His legacy will be remembered by the Sāmoan sporting community and beyond.
Fa’amālō le tauivi, Arthur. Ua uma lau tuuga.
