Melissa Moon is a name synonymous with endurance, determination, and sheer willpower. She made global headlines by winning the World Mountain Running Championships twice and dominating the Empire State Building Run-Up—racing up 86 floors and 1,576 stairs in just 12 minutes and 39 seconds. A true warrior in the world of endurance sports, she also took part in the Blue Planet Run, an awe-inspiring 95-day relay covering 25,000 km across 16 countries to raise awareness for clean drinking water. From the scorching 45°C heat of the Gobi Desert to battling swarms of horseflies in Siberia, Melissa’s resilience is legendary.
Born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, Melissa has won 21 national athletic titles, proving her versatility across various disciplines. She started competitive sports later in life, yet her rapid rise to the top is nothing short of extraordinary. Her outstanding contributions to athletics have earned her prestigious accolades, including New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year, Athletics New Zealand Athlete of the Year, and induction into the Wellington Sports Legends Hall of Fame. In 2008, she was recognized as one of the JCI Outstanding Young Persons of the World, celebrating not only her sporting excellence but also her dedication to community service.
As a nation, we are immensely proud of Melissa Moon—not just for her victories but for the values she embodies. Beyond the track, she has devoted countless hours to volunteering at the Compassion Centre Soup Kitchen, delivering meals on wheels, working with individuals with neurological conditions, and coaching a visually impaired runner to complete the London Marathon. She is an inspiration, proving that true success is about more than medals—it’s about giving back.
Her legacy extends beyond athletics—Melissa has even had a potato variety named in her honor. The Moonlight potato, a smooth white-skinned, white-fleshed variety, was named after her due to her advocacy for healthy nutrition and potatoes as a high-energy food source. This variety is now one of New Zealand’s most popular potatoes, with around five million consumed annually.
Today, Melissa shares her life principles through motivational speaking, emphasizing the power of mind, body, and spirit. Whether conquering mountains, promoting healthy living, or uplifting communities, she continues to make New Zealand proud. Melissa Moon is more than an athlete—she is a national treasure.
