Margaret Kuras

Kuras ran a 21-kilometre distance wearing only socks, clocking a one (1) hour, 29 minutes and 55 seconds timing at the Apia waterfront, 15 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

In a hand over ceremony Tuesday, Napuat expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Vanuatu's female athletics coach, the former gold medallist Marie Estelle Kapalu and Kuras for her outstanding achievement at the 2019 Pacific Games.

Kuras secured victory in one hour 29 minutes and 55 seconds in Apia, 15 seconds ahead of Solomon Islands' Dianah Matekali - who was wearing shoes.

After the race, the 20-year-old champion told the Pacific Games News Service: “Yes, I won it with only socks on.

“Wearing socks is a personal decision that I made because I had never run with shoes on before, so I didn’t feel comfortable running in shoes at these Games.

"When I tried the shoes on, my feet felt too heavy and I didn’t like it.”

Kuras was followed by Solomon Islands duo Dianah Matekali and Sharon Firisua in second and third place respectively.  

The women’s half marathon was the last event for Vanuatu at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games.

Fiji’s Avikash Lal won the men’s event.

Samuel Aragaw of Tahiti won the silver medal and Derek Mandell of Guam won bronze.

Photo VASANOC