Escape From Managaha Saturday

Swimmers and long-distance racing enthusiasts are lining up to take on the challenge of the 6th Annual Escape From Managaha Island Ocean Swim this Saturday, May 24.

Event organizer and Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart is expecting between 50 to 60 swimmers to take part in the annual 2.7-kilometer ocean swim, which is a unique event that gives participants the chance to thread the beautiful waters of the Saipan lagoon from Managaha Island to the beaches of American Memorial Park.

The event will start early Saturday morning with the meeting place scheduled at 6am a Outer Cove Marina. The ferry that will take swimmer to Managaha Island leaves at 7am while the swim proper begins at 8am.

Stewart is also looking for volunteer kayakers that will guide and aid the swimmers as they make the journey from Managaha Island to Micro Beach.

The estimated time that the fastest swimmer to finish the ocean swim is between 45 to 65 minutes depending on the water conditions. Organizers will also allow the use of fins and wetsuits.

The cost is $25 for Saipan Swim Club members, $30 for Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation and Nadadore Master swimmers, and $35 for non-members of all groups. The entrance fee includes a boat ride, an event T-shirt, and food for the post race barbecue.

This year, Stewart will also print out special event T-shirts were all the names of the participants would be printed in the shirt. “If you know you are swimming and want your name on this shirt please email me ASAP. It would also help if you give the size of shirt you would like.”

Last year, SSC member Cooper Graf conquered the strong currents to top the race with a lung-busting time of 41 minutes and seven seconds followed by Marianas High School teacher Tyce Mister when he touched the orange buoy in 45:45. Tinian’s Ken Halliday surprised a few veterans’ as he became the third men’s overall finisher in 46:23.

Another teenager and SSC member Sarah Johnson managed to upstage Masters swimmers in the women’s division finishing the Escape in 42:20. She beat Rachel Bandelin (46:17) and Grace Kimbal (46:54) in the race to Saipan.

A total of 40 swimmers participated in last year’s Escape From Managaha including cancer survivor Mary Ann Stewart, who made the channel crossing after a mere eight months after undergoing a mastectomy.

For more information or to pick up entry forms, email Stewart at wfla@hotmail.com or call 287-9474.