Aitutaki Lift Off 2024 – A Celebration of Fitness in Paradise

The highly anticipated Aitutaki Lift Off 2024 returns for its fourth year, bringing a blend of fitness, adventure, and community spirit to the stunning island of Aitutaki. Set to take place from November 7th to 10th, 2024, this event, established in 2020, invites participants from across the Cook Islands and beyond to experience a unique fusion of Olympic weightlifting and Functional Fitness challenges.

The highly anticipated Aitutaki Lift Off 2024 returns for its fourth year, bringing a blend of fitness, adventure, and community spirit to the stunning island of Aitutaki. Set to take place from November 7th to 10th, 2024, this event, established in 2020, invites participants from across the Cook Islands and beyond to experience a unique fusion of Olympic weightlifting and Functional Fitness challenges.


Held against the backdrop of Aitutaki’s breathtaking landscapes, the event consists of two headline competitions, namely the Individual Weightlifting Competition which kicks off on November 7th. Supported by the Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation, this is the only weightlifting event of its kind to be hosted in the Pa Enua (outer islands).


Competing in the lifting event is optional, so if weightlifting is not your thing, don’t despair, the Aitutaki Liftoff has something for everyone. The adrenaline-pumping Team Challenge takes place over two days, starting on Friday, November 8th. Teams will compete in a variety of events, from conquering the rugged trails of Maunga Pu to paddling through the pristine waters of the Aitutaki lagoon. Categories cater to all fitness levels, ensuring that both novices and seasoned athletes can participate.


This year will see the exciting introduction of yet another category to emphasize the inclusivity factor of the event — the new “Local Village” category will be geared towards Aitutaki locals of a beginner level to get everyone involved in the fun. A big focus of the event since 2023 is the Youth category, which includes local young athletes from 12 to 18 years of age. “It’s important to get our tamariki active and to teach them how to work as a team when tackling the physical challenges of the team event,” says Event Director Dani Adendorff.


The weekend concludes with the Motu Wrap Up on November 10th, featuring a lagoon cruise to the iconic One Foot Island as well as a delicious BBQ lunch—a perfect way to relax and celebrate after an action-packed weekend.


Aitutaki Liftoff has proven to be a one-of-a-kind event where fitness meets paradise, offering unforgettable experiences for both competitors and spectators. Athletes are fortunate to receive a special domestic flight discount with major sponsor, Air Rarotonga — making it easier to escape to paradise for the weekend!


Registration is open for individual and team events. For more information, visit Aitutaki Lift Off.


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