The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and Rota municipality will host the 19th Annual Rota Blue Triathlon on Nov. 17.
Regional and international triathletes are expected to return for the annual Ironman event that features the pristine, tropical environment and warm island hospitality of the island of Rota. Last year's event was topped by Taro Shirato of Japan, a repeat competitor in the triathlon.
The event, sponsored by Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan and the Rota Mayor's Office, features two distances: an A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5 km swim, followed by a 40 km rigorous biking course and a 10 km run (no time limit) and the B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2.0 km swim, followed by a 90 km biking course and topped off with a 21 km run (8-hour time limit). For team competitors, there will also be triathlon of the A-type distance, again with no time limit.
“Rota Blue is simply beautiful, a world-class event through tropical waters and on quiet roadways through villages and jungles,” said MVA community projects Manager Martin Duenas. “Last year we had 130 competitors, and we'd like to beat that number this November.”
Pre- registration will be held on Nov. 16, from 11am to 12:30 p.m. at the Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar. The swim course inspection will be held the same day from 1pm to 2pm at the East Harbor. Final registration will take place that evening from 4:30pm to 8pm at Rota Resort & Country Club's Sunset BBQ Tiki Tiki. The pre-race briefing for all participants will be held that evening from 6pm to 7:30 p.m.
Starting time for both distances is 6:30am at Rota's East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted, while bike helmets are required. Registration fees are $80 for A-type course solo competitors and $70 for each member in the team category. The fee for the B-type course is $100. The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet at East Harbor.
The annual Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the Northern Mariana Islands, joining the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and the Tinian Turquoise Blue on the list.
For more information about the annual triathlon, please contact Frank Tudela at 1-670-664.3200/01 or ftudela@mymarianas.com, or Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1.670-532-0327. (MVA)
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