Lopeti told the Herald the dancing was “totally unrehearsed” and happened about 14km into the race when he wasn’t too tired.
“I was not supposed to dance in the race, but the music was pumping, and I was feeling a type of way. I was feeling myself. So, I was like, you know what? I’m gonna give these guys a show.”
After starting his running journey two years ago, Lopeti was supposed to run the New York Marathon last year but couldn’t make it.
“I didn’t train as hard as I should have, but you know what? It’s one of those bucket list things that you have to do,” he said.
“And I want to tell everyone and actually shout it to the world that everyone should run the New York Marathon if they ever get the chance. It’s the best experience and best feeling ever.”
Lopeti already has an impressive CV, having danced alongside global superstars such as Rihanna and Parris Goebel.
He said part of the reason for the marathon dance was to “give back” to supporters, some of whom had stood on the sidelines for more than 10 hours.
One of those, waiting for him at the finish line, was his best friend and fellow Kiwi dancer Lance Savali.
“I love making people laugh, that’s the truth. I love making people smile. So it’s just fun to see everyone enjoying themselves,” Lopeti said.
“It’s a hot day. Everyone’s out standing out there supporting us, so why not make people smile? Spread the love, spread the joy.”
Elvis Lopeti says he wanted to make people smile with his dancing.
Wearing the Tongan shirt, he said, filled him with pride.
“I love representing my culture as much as I can, putting it out into the universe, in the world, internationally. I love my culture. T gangs and MMT all the way!”
Lopeti said he planned to spend a few days soaking up the city that never sleeps before heading home to Aotearoa.
He thanked the race organisers and passed on his congratulations to all the other runners.
Race statistics showed Lopeti finished the marathon in 6h 56m 44s and placed 59,193 out of 61,062.