ROTA MARATHON: ‘Beauty, enthusiasm, a great race’

Beauty. Enthusiasm. A great race. These are just some of the words being used by participants to describe the first-ever Rota Marathon held on Saturday (Jan. 13) in the Marianas.

Eighty-three registrants signed up for the inaugural race, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority. In line with Rota’s reputation as “Nature’s Treasure Island,” the event was marked by a tree-planting ceremony at sunset last Friday, Jan. 12, before kicking off in the dark of morning at 4am on Saturday.

Registrants from Russia, USA, Japan, Guam, and the Marianas signed up for the event. Among them was president Kiyokazu Onishi of KFC Triathlon Club of Japan—a longtime partner of the Marianas Visitors Authority in organizing sporting events in The Marianas and a Marianas honorary tourism ambassador.

“The Rota Marathon was my first marathon race in 10 years. I had a great time,” Onishi said, who was joined in his visit by several other Rota-enthusiast friends. “Thanks for a great race.”

The marathon, half-marathon, and 5K course wound their way through the lush forests and along the scenic coast of Rota, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and warm people.

“Our first Rota Marathon surpassed our expectations. From registration numbers to the community’s enthusiasm and participation, it was an all-round success,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We see good momentum for Rota Marathon to become an annual signature event for the Marianas Visitors Authority and return next January.”

Topping the full marathon was 71-year-old Chang Whan Jang (5:31;47) of Saipan, who ran the 26.2 miles barefoot. The lone female taking on the full marathon was Roxanne Soriano (5:50:44), who was supported by other race friends running alongside her for morale support in the homestretch. The final registrant for the marathon course, Genero Mejia Jr. completed the course in 7:08:56.

First in the half-marathon men’s division was Dominic Kieffer (2:04:28), followed by Scott Smith (2:07:57) and Daniel Depolog (2:21:10). Leading the women’s in the half-marathon were Tammy Ackerman (2:10:46), Julia Mast (2:11:35), and Sarah Faegre (2:47:07).

Most contenders opted for the 5K route, with top finishers being Andrei Chavez (00:22:24), Megumie Takaku Shimada (00:27:25), and Aubrey White (00:28:54). In the men’s division Elphrain Taimanao Jr. (00:25:07) finished first, followed by Peter John White (00:25:27) and Jun Shimada (00:27:19).

Catherine Attao helped organize a contingent of 21 runners—including herself—from the Kanoa Football Club Women’s team under the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association.

“(We) participated in the Rota Marathon as a team builder to kick off our 2024. Our overall experience is priceless,” said Attao. “The beauty that the island holds, the hospitality that we received is truly one of a kind. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel to Rota to participate in the first ever Rota Marathon. It was well coordinated from the registration to the race banquet. It was a wonderful experience! Rota is indeed the friendliest island.”

Event sponsors were Valentino Hotel, Ambros, and Star Marianas. The Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and the Rota Legislative Delegation—Senate vice president Sen. Donald Manglona (Ind-Rota), Sen. Dennis Mendiola (R-Rota), and Rep. Julie Ogo (Ind-Rota)—strongly supported the event, said Concepcion. Other supporters were the Offices of Governor Arnold Palacios and Lt. Governor David Apatang,

MY WAVE Club, Sasanhaya Service Station, and Rota Municipal Council. Concepcion also recognized the MVA Rota team of David Atalig, Alfred Maratita, Dre Manglona, and Jovito Reyes.

“The teamwork was incredible,” said Concepcion. “Air service for the event was a factor, and we thank Star Marianas for their strong support in offering charter services, providing passengers a refund on their race registration fees upon proof of payment, and doubling that upon proof of race completion. It was a positive contribution to incentivizing travel to Rota.”

Rota is 30 minutes from the capitol island of Saipan via light aircraft. Concepcion said the MVA has also reached out to Star Marianas to request the addition of extra flights. The airline also offers charter flights.

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s next sporting event will be Saipan Marathon on March 9, 2024, featuring a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com. (MVA)