Lopeti Dances Through New York City Marathon
Kiwi-born Tongan runner Elvis Lopeti performed dance routines during the race, drawing attention from spectators and online viewers.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Running
Elvis Lopeti performed a dance routine 14 kilometres into the New York City Marathon after hearing loud music. Bystanders captured and shared videos of the performance, which went viral.
Why it matters
Lopeti said loud music prompted him to perform and that he wanted to bring joy to spectators who had stood for eight to nine hours. The moment highlights how a runner's personal expression can shape the spectator experience at a major race.
The performance occurred 14 kilometres into the race and lasted about 30 seconds, while Lopeti walked the remainder of the marathon in roughly five hours. The source does not state how many bystander videos circulated or how many people viewed them.
The players
Elvis Lopeti
Kiwi-born Tongan runner and trained dancer who has performed in Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' music video and Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show, and is a member of the Royal Family Dance Crew.
The details
Lopeti performed two more dance routines after the first, then stopped dancing and rested as he became tired after dark. He said he was following organizers' instructions to have fun.
Timeline
November 2026: New York City Marathon held, and Lopeti performed dance routines during the race.
After dark on race day: Lopeti stopped dancing and rested as he became tired.
Season Trajectory
Performances like Lopeti's show how mass-participation races are increasingly valued for spectator experience alongside finishing times. The moment illustrates a shift in which individual runners become part of the race's entertainment fabric.
Spectators planning to attend major marathons can expect long stretches of standing time, as crowds in this race stood for eight to nine hours. Viewers who want to catch in-race moments like this should watch for runners who engage the crowd along the course.
The takeaway
Runners who bring personal energy to a course can lift spectators through long race days. Lopeti's example shows that a moment of joy can travel far beyond the finish line once bystanders share it.
What happens next
Lopeti plans to take a break before running the Boston Marathon and, one year later, the London Marathon.
Further reading
Explore more running coverage to see how marathon moments like this one fit into the wider racing world.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Samoa News.
