Hit, pray, run: Vulangi Olosoni’s ‘RunIt’ redemption

When Vulangi Olosoni walked into the RunIt arena in Dubai, he didn’t expect to leave as a champion, let alone $200,000 richer.

Raised in South Auckland, Olosoni finished last in the Run It Championship League Auckland heats and was knocked out during the second trial event in May.

But it was his now-viral tackle that led to a wildcard entry into the international finals.

“I thought I was the water boy,” Olosoni joked in an interview with NiuFM’s The Morning Shack.

“These lads were built like machines. The way I hit the man, I almost snapped his neck backwards.

“I hit him right near the chest…that impact…allowed them to say, let’s give this guy another chance.”

The unsung teammate

Once confirmed as a contestant, the former premier player for Patumāhoe Rugby Club had just over two weeks to prepare.

He stayed “locked in”, strength training at the gym with the help of his biggest and toughest competitor, his wife.

“She would always run up with a pad at me, she’s all about that heat. She'll come out of nowhere, and she'll try to test me on my quick reaction.”

While their training was unconventional, Olosoni believes there was a method to the madness.

He says the reaction time tests helped him make crucial on-the-spot adjustments in a fast-paced environment, while dealing with the heat in Dubai.

“Like any type of contact sport, it's that one split-second before contact that your body tenses up, so that was a good thing for my wife to do that to me.”

Not for glory

Olosoni felt an overwhelming sense of relief when he realised he had claimed the title. He felt relieved from all the physical and mental challenges he had endured.

“That was tough…That’s when all the tears came down because that’s where all the hard work was put in - where no one saw.”

For Olosoni, the competition was not just about bragging rights or prize money, it was about proving the possibilities that arise when purpose meets faith.

“Whatever work you put behind the scenes will be seen in the light at some day…but it’s not in your timing. It’s in God’s timing.”

His choice to compete came from a desire to affirm his self-worth, honour his family, and strengthen his faith. Inspired by his father’s sporting legacy, Olosoni once thought rugby was the only path for him.

But after sustaining an injury, he found both pause and purpose, determined to create a legacy.

“There’s more to life than just living a normal life…growing up in a factory job and what we usually do.

“My dad once said, ‘I never want to see you where I am.’ That was big. I needed to make sure I was five steps ahead so that he was proud of where I am as a son.”

Critics and the comeback

‘RunIt’ and ‘Run It Straight’ are full-body collision contests where two competitors sprint into one another with maximum force. One acts as a defender while the other, holding a rugby ball, attempts to cause as much of a collision as possible over a distance of 20 metres.

While these official competitions began in Australia, the phrase “run it straight” has long been a notorious backyard challenge with rough, unofficial versions so widespread, they’ve been banned in many schools.

Organisers have faced fierce backlash for the perceived dangers of the game, despite its growing popularity online. It has become a social media craze, garnering more than 50 million views across multiple platforms.

The Auckland RunIt final was cancelled after the tragic death of a teenager during an unofficial game, which led to its relocation to Dubai.

But Olosoni sees things differently, saying, “It didn’t scare me one bit,” and he is quick to defend its safety standards.

“Run It is all about respect for their players…they won’t risk it. Making sure boys have waivers, everything necessary to compete at the highest level.”

“It allows Polynesians to create long-term cash flow…do something for their family. Because, man - $200,000!”

Faith, family, and financial freedom

Behind the big hits and bigger pay day lies an even deeper motivation. Olosoni is a man of strong faith and unconditional love for his father and family. They have sought financial mentorship to help turn their dreams into reality.

“We’ve got to use this income to build that wealth for us.”