Over $8K at stake in Saipan Marathon

This year’s 11th Saipan Marathon set for April 16 will be offering more than $8,000 in cash prizes to the fastest runners in all categories.

The additional support is being contributed by celebrity marathon supporter Kanpei Hazama and Kofuji Distribution Co. of Japan.

In addition to the $1,000 sponsored annually by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands for each top male and female finishers, this year, the male and female winners of 50K, full marathon, half marathon, and 10K courses will be awarded cash prizes.

“Thanks to the generosity of Kanpei Hazama, who has promoted and supported the marathon for six years now, and Kofuji Distribution Co., this year’s prize money will increase significantly and marathon runners have a lot more to get excited about,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “And for those running non-competitively, there will still be a generous amount of time to finish the course, so we expect attracting more participants for both reasons.”

The 1,000,000 Yen prize money will be exchanged prior to the race, but the estimated prize money based on the exchange rate of Feb. 25 would be as follows:

The top male and female finishers (fastest in total) of the 50K course created by Hazama will be awarded $2,673 each; the top male and female finishers (fastest in total) of the full marathon course will get $891 awarded each; the top male and female finishers (fastest in total) of the half marathon course will be awarded $623 each; and the top male and female finishers (fastest in total) of 10K course will be awarded $267 each.

Registration for the 50K and marathon is $65 for US and NMI participants ($100 for international participants), and $55 for half marathon and 10K participants ($70 for international participants). The last day to register for the event will be on March 18 at 5pm. Registration will include the awards banquet, a finishers t-shirt, and a certificate of completion.

“Each year, the Saipan Marathon improves in terms of organization and execution, thanks to the great team we have working on it,” said MVA Community Projects specialist Ed Diaz, who is taking the lead on this year’s marathon. “The additional cash prizes will make this year’s marathon even better.”

The start will take place at the American Memorial Park at 4am for the 50K and the marathon, at 5am for the half-marathon, and at 5:45am for the 10K. The cut-off time will be 8:30 am at the halfway point at the Department of Public Safety sub-station in Garapan.

All competitors are required to pick up their race packets on April 15 at 4pm at Paseo de Marianas without exception.

Entry forms are available at the MVA office located in on Beach Rd. in San Jose or on the MVA official website Event Calendar at www.mymarianas.com. For more information, contact Diaz at the MVA at 670.664.3210 or through email at ediaz@mymarianas.com. (MVA)