Faumuina Eleanor Penn - Running for Family, Faith and Country

Runner Profile
Sāmoa International Marathon 

APIA, SĀMOA - Faumuinā Eleanor Penn is taking on her first full marathon at the 8th Sāmoa International Marathon, inspired by a desire to challenge herself while proudly representing her aiga, villages, church community and beloved Samoa.
Eleanor, the youngest of seven siblings, currently cares for her father while balancing training, church commitments, work, and family obligations. She works as a Representative for Downer and serves as a Mass Coordinator and collector at St. Luke’s Parish, Flat Bush, in Auckland, NZ.

On the 4th of July, she will return home to tackle the marathon distance alongside her twin sister, Faumuinā Maryann Penn. This is one of the most inspiring stories in this year’s race.

As the only Sāmoan women entrants in the marathon, the sisters are a powerful example of courage, determination and leadership for Sāmoan women everywhere.

A former Sports Prefect leader at St Mary’s College, Vaimoso, Eleanor has always enjoyed an active lifestyle. She competed in athletics during her school years in the 400m and 800m, and today enjoys gym training and hiking Mt Vaea.

In 2025, she completed the Auckland Half Marathon “Run The City” and placed 2 nd in the Project 56 Final Week Transformation
Challenge in South Auckland.

Eleanor says her greatest motivation is to inspire young people, particularly her nephew Max Penn, who first introduced her to the Sāmoa International Marathon.

Eleanor sees the race as an opportunity to demonstrate determination, resilience and Sāmoan pride, and as a pathway for young people to develop healthy lifestyles.

On race day, Eleanor will carry with her the support of her mother, Unasa Florestina Penn, her family, and the many communities that have shaped her life. These include her villages of Vaimoso, Alafua, Lepea, Iva and Siufaga, Savai'i, as well as her church communities of St Luke's Parish, Flat Bush, St Therese of Lisieux, Vaimoso, and the Vailoa Community SMSM Sisters. She also acknowledges the encouragement of Sr Johanna Penn-Keil, Fr Benedict Francis and Sr Jane O'Carroll (SM) throughout her journey.
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