Phoebe Long, 26, from Aotearoa New Zealand, has become the 2025 Women’s Winner of the Sāmoa International Marathon, completing the 42.2 km course in 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 13 seconds.
Phoebe, visiting Sāmoa with her partner, made a last-minute decision to enter the race after learning about it just one day before the start. Organisers approved her entry following a safety assessment.
The marathon began at 1:00 a.m. Saturday in Manono-Uta. Phoebe, the only female entrant this year, joined four other runners at the start line. Each was supported by a dedicated vehicle and Red Cross volunteer. In Phoebe’s case, her support crew included members of her partner’s family, who followed and cheered her along the course.
She crossed the finish line in front of the Government Building in Apia to applause from supporters and family members. Acting Prime Minister Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefa Ponifasio and his wife Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio were present to award her the medal.
Phoebe has completed ten half marathons in the past, but this was her first full marathon. Her participation adds her name to the list of female runners who have competed in the Sāmoa marathon since 2016:
- 2018: Prudence Raine (NZL)
- 2019: Chiaki Sakakibara (JPN)
- 2023: Kirsty Sesto, Kelsey Waters, Susan Petrie, Ruby Spark (NZL); Muantawan Arsraira (THA); Karen Michelsen (CAN); Deborah Lazerson, Parvaneh Moayed, Elizabeth Gmerek (USA)
- 2024: Khalida Cox (UK)
- 2025: Phoebe Long (NZL)
