Santos, Muldoon gobble top spot in 2023 Turkey Trot

NMI Cross Country Team runner Victor Nash Santos and Dr. Lily Muldoon topped the 2023 Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run held bright and early yesterday morning.

The duo—as well as age group winners—got a free frozen turkey for all their troubles as their Thanksgiving centerpiece is already taken care of by the organizing Northern Marianas Athletics and the event’s many sponsors.

Santos, a sophomore at Mt. Carmel School, sprinted up the arduous 4.2-mile course in 39:48:88 to finish first overall, while Muldoon came in numero uno among the women with a time of 44:46.38.

“The run was really tiring and mentally challenging. This is the hardest race I’ve ever been a part of because it’s uphill. My goal at first was to beat the people within my age group which was really hard since I was way behind. After catching up with the other high schoolers, it wasn’t until I saw Keith [Longuski] when I decided to push myself more. I just remember getting closer until we both walked for a bit when we were thrown this huge uphill near the end. We were head-to-head for the last 100 meters until I gave it my all. Keith really pushed me and challenged me. It was really fun and the adrenaline rush felt amazing,” said Santos.

The 15-year-old said the hardest part of the race is, of course, the incline nature of the trek especially near the end.

“It was so hard to the point I had to walk for a bit. My legs felt like giving up. It’s the most uphill I’ve ever ran my entire life. I think the coolest part was catching up with people. I didn’t have a fast start and I was alone in the beginning. It did scare me a bit on how far people were from me, but it was really cool how I made my way up.”

Santos first dedicated his first Turkey Trot to himself for all the hard work he’s put in.

“I haven’t run a race in a while and I didn’t know if I still had it in me. I also want to dedicate this to my friends and family for their support and encouragement that really helped me before the race started. I want to thank my dad for helping me prepare for this race. He got off work early the day before the race just so we can go to Mt. Tapochao and see the course since I haven’t been there since I was 6. Without that, I wouldn’t have won. Lastly, I want to thank God for this amazing blessing and for helping me push through even when I didn’t want to.”

As for the turkey prize, Santos said since they don’t have an oven at home, he’ll probably give it to one of his friends for them to cook for their family.

Muldoon, meanwhile, said the Turkey Trot was an ideal lung-busting way to start the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Overall, the race this year was fantastic. It felt good to be running with friends, their families and fellow Run Saipan members. The combination of the challenging course, good weather, and the gorgeous views of the sunrise over the ocean made it a memorable experience. The energy from the participants and the overall atmosphere added to the enjoyment.”

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. Public Health Medical director is thankful that she was able to run like her old self, considering she’s coming off sickbay.

“I ran at just about the same pace as my last Turkey Trot and I’m thankful I’m not getting slower! Especially considering that I’m coming off an injury I sustained while working in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia in September. Recovering from an injury always takes time, so I expected it to be a gradual process to get back into my regular rhythm. Rejoining running after such a hiatus was a challenge, but I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and the ability to participate in events like the Saipan Turkey Trot.”

As usual, Muldoon said the most challenging part of the Turkey Trot was Heart-Break Hill, while emphasizing despite the hardship she’s just incredibly thankful to be able to run again.

“After being sidelined for seven weeks, being able to move my body freely and participate in events like the Saipan Turkey Trot is a gift. It has given me a renewed appreciation for the simple joy of running and being active. Overall, I’m grateful for my health, the support of those around me, and the opportunity to pursue my passion for running.”

She’s also extremely thankful for the Run Saipan community for inspiring her to run even if sometimes she doesn’t feel like it.

“Last weekend I had slated to run the Mt. Tapochau route but woke up to pouring rain and decided not to go. Then three Run Saipan members posted on our group chat their picture on top of the mountain and I thought to myself, ‘I can do that too!’ So, I put on my sneakers and ran to the top in the rain. It built confidence to get that last big run in before race day. Thank you, Run Saipan ladies for your inspiration!” she said.

The rest of the Top 3 in the men’s and women’s divisions along with the age group winners will be published in the next issue of Saipan Tribune.

The 2023 Turkey Trot was sponsored by Joeten Enterprises, IT&E CNMI, Triple J Group of Companies, Current CNMI/MARPAC, and Saipan Vegas Resort.