Runner's Marathon Dance Break Wins Over Fans
Elvis Lopeti paused 14 kilometres into the New York City Marathon, and spectators shared the moment widely online.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Running
Kiwi-born Tongan runner Elvis Lopeti stopped to perform dance routines 14 kilometres into the New York City Marathon in November 2026, and bystander videos of the performance went viral. Lopeti said loud music prompted him to dance and that he wanted to bring joy to spectators who had stood cheering for eight to nine hours.
Why it matters
The moment shows how a runner's choice to pause for entertainment can build a new audience for the sport, with fans finding Lopeti through shared videos rather than race results. It also highlights the value spectators place on energetic moments during long endurance events.
The account rests on bystander videos and Lopeti's own statements about his decision to dance. No race-timing data for the segment was reported, so the effect on his finishing time is unknown.
The players
Elvis Lopeti
Kiwi-born Tongan runner and trained dancer who has appeared in Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' music video and Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show.
The details
Lopeti, a trained dancer, has performed in Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' music video and Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show, and he is a member of the Royal Family Dance Crew. He said he was following organizers' instructions to have fun when he heard loud music and performed a routine 14 kilometres in. After dancing, he stopped to rest as he tired and then walked the remainder of the marathon over roughly five hours.
Timeline
November 2026: New York City Marathon held, with Lopeti performing dance routines during the race.
After dark on race day: Lopeti stopped dancing and rested as he became tired.
Health Landscape
Viral race-day moments like this one can draw casual viewers toward running and fitness content. Public interest in endurance sport is often tied to individual stories of effort and enjoyment rather than to performance data alone.
Runners planning a long race can take from this that pacing with brief breaks is compatible with finishing, though any change to your own race plan is worth discussing with your doctor. Spectator energy and music can make long events more enjoyable, which many runners find helps them keep moving.
The takeaway
A moment of joy can matter in a long endurance event, and a short pause to enjoy the crowd does not have to derail a race. If you plan a long event, talk with your physician about pacing and recovery.
Further reading
For more on the sport, explore our Running coverage of race-day stories and training.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Samoa News.
