Final preparations are underway on Ra’s Suncoast as runners, volunteers and event crew gather at Nanumi Au Eco Village ahead of tomorrow’s inaugural Fiji Adventure Race: Mangroves to Mountains.
At first light tomorrow, 17 ultra runners will begin the first leg of the race, a 35km stretch from Nanumi Au to Nananu Village that passes below the Nakauvadra ridge before a steep climb through Yaqara farmland.
The runners will spend the night at Nananu Village before tackling Saturday’s more demanding 38km leg to Savulelele Waterfall, near Nabalesere Village.
Event Coordinator Marita Manley of Talanoa Treks says preparations have reinforced what organisers had hoped for when they mapped out the route.
Manley says this is a test event ahead of a larger event planned for next year, and organisers are grateful for the time and commitment communities in Ra have put into making it possible.
She says the course is not about competing against other runners, but about testing yourself against the terrain.
Manley says conditions are expected to be warm and humid, with the possibility of tropical showers.
She says runners have been briefed to pace themselves in the heat and use stream crossings along the route to cool down.
Spectators and well-wishers are welcome to see the runners off at Nanumi Au Eco Village early tomorrow morning or join them at the finish line at Nabalesere.
Ili from Nabalesere says the community is delighted to host the finish line and is excited to see events like this being brought to the Ra area.
Manley has also thanked event sponsor Vodafone and Tourism Suncoast partners Nanumi Au Eco Village, Yaqara Pastoral Company Limited, Rakiraki Town Council, iTaukei Affairs Board, iTaukei Trust Fund Board and Fiji Pine, as well as the eight communities along the route, for their support.
