Apia, Samoa – Saturday, 9 August 2025. Triathlon Samoa has successfully pulled off the biggest running event of the year – the Apia Half-Marathon and Team Relay which kicked off in the early hours of the morning, Saturday 9 August 2025.
The event saw fierce competition among 19 solo runners tackling the 21km course and another 138 runners in the relay
There where 23 teams of six runners each battling the relay course while crowds of family and friends turned out to cheer them on.
Each team showcasing endurance, perseverance and a growing passion for running amongst our local community.
The scenic course began at Mulinuu, winding through the heart of town following the seawall before reaching the turnaround point on the Matautu waterfront opposite Paddles Restaurant and then returning to the start.
Participants of all ages embraced the challenge, cheered on by enthusiastic supporters lining the route. Solo runners completed three laps of the course while the team runners each had to run 3.5km with a baton before handing it over to the next person.
The event highlighted Samoa’s growing running culture, with participants ranging from elite athletes to first-time half-marathoners. The team relay added an exciting dynamic, encouraging camaraderie and teamwork.
Immediately after the last runners crossed the finish line, a lively prizegiving ceremony was held to honor outstanding performers in both the solo and team categories.
Samoa’s own Ironman, 55 year old Darren Young’s Ironmn consistency and experience won the day as he held a comfortable lead to finish with a new course record of 1 hour 40 minutes.
Newcomer Annalis Johnson took first place in the Women’s race with her time of 2 hours and 11 minutes.
The Forever Young Award for the oldest finisher went to another Ironman 68 year old Mathew Bracken, who bested much younger participants with his time of 2 hours 12 minutes.
A special Endurance Award for the runner showing the most grit and determination in their first ever half-marathon went to 53yr old Maotafono Apelu.
The relay was a crowd favorite bringing together various offices, government ministries, schools, sports, friends and family teams.
The overall winner was the Athletics Samoa Team who blitzed the course with an impressive time of 1hr 30 min. Their team of brilliant runners included sprint medallists from the 2023 Pacific Games and the recent Mini Games in Palau.
Winner of the Mixed Team Division, and also second place overall was the Triathlon Samoa team, with the Mountain Runners coming in third and also winning the Junior Division prize.
Team Heartstrings made up of three mothers and their young daughters, won the Nafanua Award for first all-female team.
Additional prizes given were the Fiafia Award for Spirit to the team from the Samoa Qualifications Authority, and another to Team For Every Child.
“This was the second year of our event and it’s grown massively. We had nine teams last year and then entries this time jumped to twenty-three. It was a tremendous success, bringing together athletes, families, and supporters in a celebration of fitness and community spirit,” said a spokesperson for Triathlon Samoa.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose contributions help make this event possible while promoting make this event possible while promoting wellness across Samoa. We look forward to making next year’s race even bigger!”
Triathlon Samoa is grateful for the generous support of businesses committed to building stronger communities and healthier, happier families. Prizes were donated by:
Haven Samoan Rasmussen Engineering, Young Steel, Niu Pharmacy, Inalani Catering, Eveni Samoa
Full results and photos from the event are available on Triathlon Samoa’s official social media channels.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact Triathlon Samoa. Email: TriathlonSamoa@gmail.com. Phone: 763 4778
About Triathlon Samoa
Triathlon Samoa is the national governing body for triathlon and endurance sports in Samoa, dedicated to promoting active lifestyles and organizing top quality events.
Photos – Team Samoa Photographer and Triathlon Samoa
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