Kabiriel tops Banzai half marathon, Berger wins anew

Ketson “Jack” Kabiriel’s time finally came after runner-up finishes in the past two years, while Mamiko Oshima-Berger set a new record and won her third straight women’s title in yesterday’s 3rd Annual Banzai Memorial Half Marathon and Fun Run at the Banzai Cliff in Marpi.

Kabiriel set a personal best in the men’s division, as he eclipsed by a mere fraction of a second his old mark of one hour, 31 minutes, 51 seconds last year with a new time of 1:31.50. Kabiriel’s new personal best, however, was way behind the current record of 1:18.10 set by Eli Torgeson last year.

Fondly called on Saipan as the “Road Runner Bunny”, Kabiriel placed second in the 2006 and 2007 stagings of the same event.

A total of 18 runners completed the 19-mile (20-kilometer) trail via the jungle at Banzai Cliff.

Kabiriel said the race was not as challenging compared to last year’s because of Torgeson’s absence.

“I really prepared because I wanted to challenge the winner last year,” said Kabiriel.

Ronald Villafria was second with his 1:41.55 and Yosh Gabaldon was third after posting 1:44.27.

In the women’s division, Oshima-Berger triumphed for the third straight time, setting a new record of 1:35.27.

“I’m really happy,” said Berger, who erased her old mark of 1:38.09 in 2006.

Oshima-Berger, who wore an MP3 during the race, said this might have been her lucky charm. She was wearing it in 2006 and forgot to bring it last year, when she was slower in 1:41.46.

“It was pretty cold. But when you run in this kind of weather, you have a nice view along the way. And if you have a nice music, it really helps a lot,” said Berger, who is eyeing a win in the Saipan Marathon in January next year.

She is also preparing for the 100k Hell of Marianas Bike Race in December.

Oshima-Berger credited her win to running partner Maimi shimizu, who came in second with a time of 1:35.27.

“She kept on pushing me,” Oshima Berger said.

Monica Yamaguchi was third, clocking in 2:01.44.

Rounding out the finishers for the half marathon were Tamio Nishikido (1:49.38), Louie Tenorio (1:58.09), 2006 champion Yoshi Suzuki (2:00.22), Keum Bae Ji (2:00.37), Florian Braig (2:02.54), Joshua Berger (2:06.13), Andrea Ozawa (2:11.31), Nate Hawley (2:12.08), Kanae Quinn (2:12.09), Renato Calage (2:24.22), Manny Sitchon (2:31.29), and Cesar Fortaleza (2:35.51).

In the Fun Run, Matt Mancao was the first finisher timing in at 26 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by Nate Mateo (28:34), and Fred Camacho (30:37).

Maui, Hawaii World Triathlon Championships-bound Mieko Carey clocked 29:48 to lead the women’s side. Melody Matson was second in 39:03 and Kathy Pagapular was third in 39:38.

Other finishers were Shogo Ando (31:58), Russ Quinn (33:21), Kenyon Shultz (34:48), John Auther (34:54), Owen Crabbie (34:59), Rob Shultz (36:20), Yihao Liang (37:53), Harumi Sugihashi (39:40), Isumi Yamaguchi (40:32), John Jenkins (48:22), George David (49:29), Bernard Hoftshneider (49:30), Madison Shultz (50:59), Xiao Xia Long (1:00:39), Jennifer Backhaus (1:02:32), Becca Yost (1:14:22), and Megan Yost (1:14:23).

Megan Yost was the youngest competitor at eight years old.

Organizer Brad Ruzala said that despite failing to hit their target of 200 participants, the turnout was still good.

The event was sponsored by POWERade, Coca-Cola, Foremost, Subway, Glimpses, Beach Road Magazine, PTI, Taga Inc., Tagaman, Saipan XTERRA, Pacific Islands Club, The Athlete’s Foot, All-Star Sports, JG Sablan Ice & Water, Michelob Ultra Wear-A-Marconi, Musician John Jenkins and www.shopmarianas.com, and Marianas Visitors Authority.

Marianas High School’s National Honor Society volunteered for the event.