Visitors to the Cook Islands are back enjoying paradise and with border reopening running smoothly so far – BSP Aitutaki Marathon event managers are cautiously optimistic of the return of Kiwi runners for the annual running event set for Tuesday, March 22.

Despite last year’s border closures preventing overseas runners coming to the Cook Islands, the event was kept alive by generous event sponsor Bank South Pacific (BSP) and a group of 18 tenacious local based runners and walkers from both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Turama Pacific Travel Group’s event management team Destination Management Cook Islands (DMCK) are thankful for the continued sponsorship support from Bank South Pacific (BSP) and delighted support from Kiwi runners registered to stride it out in paradise in 2022.

“Although registration numbers are low as we rebuild tourism in the Cook Islands, we are hopeful and looking forward to an intimate mix of Kiwi and local runners guaranteed to have a magic time in Aitutaki,” says marathon coordinator Matariki Wilson.

Wilson adds that while only Kiwi runners and supporters are able to travel to the Cook Islands and join the event under current Covid travel restrictions, running enthusiasts and lovers of the Cook Islands from across the globe follow the event virtually while they dream of their island escape and pursuit in paradise.

She also hopes to see Rarotonga and Aitutaki runners and fitness enthusiasts register for the pursuit in paradise challenge to test their fitness levels and be part of another magic memory-making Aitutaki Marathon.

At the 2021 locals only event, BSP Cook Islands branch manager David Street had the unique challenge of racing himself in the 42km endurance course while the remaining participants worked on fast times in the 21km half marathon and 10km course.

Despite the small numbers, there was still healthy competition in the air that culminated in great comradery among the participants and post event revelry in paradise – it’s not all serious running with plenty of time for post event happy hour cocktails and enjoying the peace and serenity of Aitutaki.

Key to the success of the Aitutaki Marathon run in 2018, 2019 and 2021 is the incredible hospitality and support of the Aitutaki island community for the pursuit in paradise BSP Aitutaki Marathon.

The community provides crucial support in manning water stations and providing marshal support on the run course and cheering on all runners in true colourful Aitutaki fashion!

In turn, funds raised during the running event goes towards supporting junior athletics development in Aitutaki where the island had a reputation for growing speedy and talented athletes.

Local registrations for the event is now open with special return Aitutaki flight and accommodation packages available for event participants and supporters.

To register for the 2022 Aitutaki Marathon on Tuesday, March 22 and receive our special event package – write to event coordinator Matariki Wilson on matariki.wilson@dmck.co.ck for all the information you require.

Wilson adds that while only Kiwi runners and supporters are able to travel to the Cook Islands and join the event under current Covid travel restrictions, running enthusiasts and lovers of the Cook Islands from across the globe follow the event virtually while they dream of their island escape and pursuit in paradise.

She also hopes to see Rarotonga and Aitutaki runners and fitness enthusiasts register for the pursuit in paradise challenge to test their fitness levels and be part of another magic memory-making Aitutaki Marathon.

At the 2021 locals only event, BSP Cook Islands branch manager David Street had the unique challenge of racing himself in the 42km endurance course while the remaining participants worked on fast times in the 21km half marathon and 10km course.

Despite the small numbers, there was still healthy competition in the air that culminated in great comradery among the participants and post event revelry in paradise – it’s not all serious running with plenty of time for post event happy hour cocktails and enjoying the peace and serenity of Aitutaki.

Key to the success of the Aitutaki Marathon run in 2018, 2019 and 2021 is the incredible hospitality and support of the Aitutaki island community for the pursuit in paradise BSP Aitutaki Marathon.

The community provides crucial support in manning water stations and providing marshal support on the run course and cheering on all runners in true colourful Aitutaki fashion!

In turn, funds raised during the running event goes towards supporting junior athletics development in Aitutaki where the island had a reputation for growing speedy and talented athletes.

Local registrations for the event is now open with special return Aitutaki flight and accommodation packages available for event participants and supporters.

To register for the 2022 Aitutaki Marathon on Tuesday, March 22 and receive our special event package – write to event coordinator Matariki Wilson on matariki.wilson@dmck.co.ck for all the information you require.

Wilson adds that while only Kiwi runners and supporters are able to travel to the Cook Islands and join the event under current Covid travel restrictions, running enthusiasts and lovers of the Cook Islands from across the globe follow the event virtually while they dream of their island escape and pursuit in paradise.

She also hopes to see Rarotonga and Aitutaki runners and fitness enthusiasts register for the pursuit in paradise challenge to test their fitness levels and be part of another magic memory-making Aitutaki Marathon.

At the 2021 locals only event, BSP Cook Islands branch manager David Street had the unique challenge of racing himself in the 42km endurance course while the remaining participants worked on fast times in the 21km half marathon and 10km course.

Despite the small numbers, there was still healthy competition in the air that culminated in great comradery among the participants and post event revelry in paradise – it’s not all serious running with plenty of time for post event happy hour cocktails and enjoying the peace and serenity of Aitutaki.

Key to the success of the Aitutaki Marathon run in 2018, 2019 and 2021 is the incredible hospitality and support of the Aitutaki island community for the pursuit in paradise BSP Aitutaki Marathon.

The community provides crucial support in manning water stations and providing marshal support on the run course and cheering on all runners in true colourful Aitutaki fashion!

In turn, funds raised during the running event goes towards supporting junior athletics development in Aitutaki where the island had a reputation for growing speedy and talented athletes.

Local registrations for the event is now open with special return Aitutaki flight and accommodation packages available for event participants and supporters.

To register for the 2022 Aitutaki Marathon on Tuesday, March 22 and receive our special event package – write to event coordinator Matariki Wilson on matariki.wilson@dmck.co.ck for all the information you require.

Wilson adds that while only Kiwi runners and supporters are able to travel to the Cook Islands and join the event under current Covid travel restrictions, running enthusiasts and lovers of the Cook Islands from across the globe follow the event virtually while they dream of their island escape and pursuit in paradise.

She also hopes to see Rarotonga and Aitutaki runners and fitness enthusiasts register for the pursuit in paradise challenge to test their fitness levels and be part of another magic memory-making Aitutaki Marathon.

At the 2021 locals only event, BSP Cook Islands branch manager David Street had the unique challenge of racing himself in the 42km endurance course while the remaining participants worked on fast times in the 21km half marathon and 10km course.

Despite the small numbers, there was still healthy competition in the air that culminated in great comradery among the participants and post event revelry in paradise – it’s not all serious running with plenty of time for post event happy hour cocktails and enjoying the peace and serenity of Aitutaki.

Key to the success of the Aitutaki Marathon run in 2018, 2019 and 2021 is the incredible hospitality and support of the Aitutaki island community for the pursuit in paradise BSP Aitutaki Marathon.

The community provides crucial support in manning water stations and providing marshal support on the run course and cheering on all runners in true colourful Aitutaki fashion!

In turn, funds raised during the running event goes towards supporting junior athletics development in Aitutaki where the island had a reputation for growing speedy and talented athletes.

Local registrations for the event is now open with special return Aitutaki flight and accommodation packages available for event participants and supporters.

To register for the 2022 Aitutaki Marathon on Tuesday, March 22 and receive our special event package – write to event coordinator Matariki Wilson on matariki.wilson@dmck.co.ck for all the information you require.