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SAMOA
ISLAND RUN PROMOTES FITNESS & HEALTHY LIVING |
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By Malia Tu’ai Manuleleua / Edwin Puni |
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Local participation and
overseas interest in the Samoa Island Run continues to grow since its
beginning in 2002 with only 19 runners. This years’ run is set to beat
last year’s numbers of 237 runners with an open invitation to everyone
including the Police force and fire fighters. Race director Mati Sapolu
confirmed that there is a category for every one of all ages and sizes
to walk, jog or run the 10km distance.
Mati Sapolu was initially just a spectator at the first NZ Ironman
competition she attended. A serious competitor, Mati proved this by
qualifying in the NZ Ironman Competition held in Taupo to compete in
the 25th Anniversary Triathlon World Championships at Kona, Hawaii.
Each year more than 50,000 triathletes from more than 50 countries
attempt to qualify for the worlds’ most famous endurance event.
Mati completed the grueling course, a 3.8km swim, 180 km bike ride and
42 km marathon in 13 hours. “It was such a proud moment to complete the
course and qualify and to be able to represent Samoa,” she said.
As well as competing in Kona Hawaii for the world championships, Mati
also competed in the triathlon-short distance at the recent South
Pacific Games in Suva. She is the first Samoan woman to represent Samoa
in this type of event.
Waking up at 4am in the morning for a grueling exercise regime is one
of the hardest things… there is no easy way about being a triathlete…
its about strength and raw determination to go all the way,” Mati said.
Those same attributes motivate her son Gerard who is wheel chair bound
due to a water skiing accident in Seattle, Washington.
Both Gerard and Mati competed together in Taupo. Mati said she is so
proud of Gerard and his achievements. His strength of spirit and
character in spite of his disability is something that many can learn
from. “He is my hero and source of inspiration.
Today Mati Sapolu is the driving force behind the Samoa Island Run. The
current record holders are: Female – Corina Grey of Auckland New
Zealand with a time of 45:48 minutes. Male – Gary Stoward of Australia
with a time of 38:48 minutes. 2004 Winners – Setefano Mika and Louise
Twining-Ward; local winners being Setefano Mika and Julie Cristofari. |
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Mati Sapolu qualifying in the NZ Ironman Competition held in
Taupo to compete in the 25th Anniversary Triathlon World
Championships at Kona, Hawaii to represent Samoa.
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Both Mati and her son Gerard who is wheel chair bound due to a
water skiing accident in Seattle, Washington, competed together
in Taupo. |
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Samoa’s squad at the 2002 South Pacific Games in Norfolk Island.
Mati Sapolu represented Samoa in the triathlon-short distance at
the recent mini South Pacific games in Suva, Fiji. |
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This year’s sponsors include
Samoa Sportslotto, Coaches Corner, Funway Rentals, Sinalei Reef Resort,
Telecom Samoa Cellular, Samoa Outriggers, Mansfield Security Systems,
Health Attack, Urban Samoa Magazine, Computer Services Limited, Adrian’s
Cakes , and The Hidden Garden.
For more information about the Samoa Island Run, contact Mati Sapolu at
samoaislandrun@hotmail.com or Mae
at +685 25-416.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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