Run it back: Elvis Lopeti’s Pacific marathon mission

When Elvis Lopeti gets an idea, he doesn’t just talk about it - he acts on it, literally.

Charismatic, talented, and full of energy, Lopeti is a well-loved performer known for his standout role with the world-renowned Royal Family Dance Crew.

His incredible milestones include performing at the Savage x Fenty Fashion Show and the iconic 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Rihanna, as well as making a splash twerking in a sports bra on Celebrity Treasure Island. Now, Lopeti is gearing up to run his first-ever marathon in November.

Lopeti started a run club with his closest friends in Central Auckland earlier this year. In an interview with Niu FM’sThe Morning Shack, Lopeti says running 42 kilometres will be the biggest test of endurance.

Driven by his passion, Lopeti came up with the idea to take his run club across the Pacific through a project he calls Run It Back to the Islands.

“When Elvis gets bored bub, he comes up with ideas…why don’t I just run it back to the islands and train with people back home?”

Ws in the chat for Elvis Lopeti's Run It Back to the Islands campaign. Photo/Screenshot/Instagram

Preparing for the marathon has been no small task. Alongside a training programme focused on “time on feet”, which includes running non-stop for 40 minutes, an hour, or more, Lopeti has been creating a community-focused journey.

Sponsored by Red Bull and YK Move by You Know Clothing, his tour kicked off on 30 August in Rarotonga and will continue to Fiji on 6 September, Tonga on 13 September, and will wrap up in Sāmoa on 4 October.

Lopeti will host run clubs at each stop, handing out merchandise and donated gear.

“Etiquette babe, when you travel, you’ve got to give,” Lopeti says. “I’m taking Red Bull as well as You Know Clothing t-shirts, bottles, socks, everything that I can think of, just to give over in the islands.”

More than running

The Tongan entertainer describes himself as a “big flamboyant Poly” whose goal is to create authentic representation and connection.

He doesn’t expect huge numbers to join him at each stop, and that’s not the point. But his first group in the Cook Islands had over 25 people show up.

“I just want to connect with everyone back at home as well. We always have this thing where we do run clubs in New Zealand and Australia, I was like, ‘You know what, let’s take it back to our people’.

“Honestly I don’t care if two, three, four people turn up. It’s more about me just connecting… let’s inspire people to run around the island and just move,” Lopeti says.

Call to the community

Lopeti’s next stop will be the Pacific Fitness centre in Nadi followed by a special return to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Since he last visited Tonga at the age of four, Lopeti is looking forward to a small family reunion and a Sunday lunch.

The journey will end in Sāmoa in October, with the location soon to be announced.

Lopeti encourages anyone who wants to give back to join him, and he’s open to bigger partnerships as well.

“If there’s anyone out there that wants me to take anything over to the island to give, for example shoes, please reach out to me. I’ve got space left in my luggage.

“Are there any private jets that want to sponsor me to Niue? Because I can’t be stuck there for a week,” he jokes.

No distractions, all heart

Despite taking the run clubs to some of the region’s biggest party destinations, Lopeti remains focused on his goal.

“I’m not really a drinker anyway…no distractions here, I’ve got to finish this full marathon.”

As for what’s next? The marathon in November is still the big prize, but the journey is already inspiring a movement of its own - blending fitness, culture, and reciprocity.

As Lopeti says, “Let’s what? Let’s puuuuuuush.”

If you want to get involved with Elvis Lopeti and his Run It Back to the Islands campaign, click here.