Over a thousand marathon runners are expected to participate at this year’s Island Chill marathon race.

The event dubbed as the Pacific’s greatest road race is targeted to curb Non – Communicable diseases in Fiji.

Suva Marathon Club President Gina Houng Lee says they expect more participants after the race received worldwide accreditation earlier this year.

“Our aim is certainly to encourage all those who are doing longer distance and then go on to road racing and longer distance running. If we were to support long distance runners to reach the Olympic standard but even than we have the Pacific Games. I mean, previously Fijian athletes used to do really well in terms of longer distance running.”

Launching the race, Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says this is a great initiative to raise more awareness on the killer disease.

“I can only say that this needs a whole nation approach which means all hands have to be on deck. There’s a lot of evidence that suggest that physical activities actually helps a lot with curbing NCDs. We talk so much of the diet, yes the diet is so important but it has to be coupled  together with physical activities.”

The marathon will be held on July 27th – featuring a full 42km race, a half marathon and a quarter marathon.