Start Date: 26 April 2026
End Date: 30 April 2026
Mark you calendars for 2026 Aitutaki Marathon Pursuit in Paradise from Sunday 26 to Thursday 30 April 2026
The annual Aitutaki Marathon is not a race - its a uniquely Cook Islands experience!
In fact - we like to say it’s your holiday interrupted with a run!
In its 8th year of running - Pursuit in Paradise continues its magic of clutching the hearts of runners and supporters and imprinting a special bond to the island of Aitutaki and her people.
Who goes to paradise and runs a marathon?
This year 50 hardy international and local participants lined up before sunrise for the ultimate challenge in paradise not for gold or glory but because they could!
Some trained and travelled from as far as Italy and Germany, others sailed in from the Pacific blue to Aitutaki, saw the signs and lucked in on unplanned Cook Islands experience.
For the first timer – an eye opening and soul awakening experience.
For the initiated – a blessed sense of homecoming.
Truly words cannot describe the experience – but accolades poured out from runners of the uplifting force of support by the people of Aitutaki who manned aid stations and ensured the wellbeing of all participants.
“The support crew out on the course are amazing – they knew our names and cheered us on!” was a praise that poured out across the finish line.
Matching the hospitality of the Aitutaki people – the breathtaking scenery of paradise.
“Honestly during the race when you feel the pain and you are pushing through you just look up at the scenery – and wow!” said Italian runner and first woman across the 21km course finish line Lara Bradamilla.
The 21km course won by Tahitian runner Axel Guillo who set a new race record time of 1:29:45.
Lara’s partner Davide Cervesato took out the overall 2025 Aitutaki Marathon race in a time of 3:41:43 was wide eyed at the finish line – overwhelmed by the experience.
In the 10km race – it was Rupeni Mataitonga from Rarotonga that set the fastest time of 44:58 with Aitutaki’s own Tata Samuel taking out second place.
Top honours overall of the Aitutaki Marathon go to all the people of Aitutaki that shared so freely of your hospitality and supported every runner to the end.
Meitaki maata to event sponsors Tourism Cook Islands that ensured we were able to capture the magic of the Aitutaki Marathon, Etu Moana, Air Rarotonga and supporting partners Tamanu Beach Resort and Aitutaki Village.
Without your support they’d be no magical Aitutaki Marathon.
Where words fail – here are images captured by our wonderful event photographer Tabby Berg of Maunga Media.
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