A March 2025 marathon trio: Japan, Saipan, Seoul

Marathoners looking for an ideal time to race in Asia-Pacific need look no further than the Tokyo Marathon, Saipan Marathon, and Seoul Marathon on back-to-back weekends in early March 2025.

All three marathons are certified measured courses by World Athletics in cooperation with AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), beginning with the Tokyo Marathon on March 2, Saipan Marathon on March 8, and Seoul Marathon on March 16.

The capital island of the Marianas–is a 3-hour direct flight from Tokyo and 4-hour direct flight to Seoul, making it a convenient segue for marathoners. The 17th Annual Saipan Marathon is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority.

“The Saipan Marathon is one of the most scenic courses in the western Pacific, and the Marianas are the perfect tropical respite from the hustle and bustle of city life,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Our natural beauty is what draws most visitors, and Saipan Marathon follows some of the island’s most scenic roadways, providing stunning views of our tranquil lagoon and lush mountains. It makes a perfect sandwich of marathon weekends in between Tokyo Marathon and Seoul Marathon, and we warmly welcome all runners looking to experience our unique Marianas landscape and culture.”

The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands—including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in a harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in the Marianas.

Registration for Saipan Marathon is open at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/92790/saipan-marathon-2025. Early bird registration through Oct. 31, 2024, is $80 for the full marathon, $60 for the half marathon, and $50 for the 10K and 5K. For CNMI residents and U.S. military, the early bird rate is $60 for the full marathon, $50 for the half marathon, and $40 for the 10K and 5K. With valid photo ID, youth ages 18 or younger on March 5, 2025, may register for 10K or 5K for $35 through Oct. 31, 2024. However, full marathon participants must be age 16 or older. Half marathon participants must be age 14 or older.

Cash prizes will be awarded for top finishers and by age division. Participants will receive a limited edition official Saipan Marathon T-shirt, official Saipan Marathon medal, certificate of completion and one entry to the awards banquet, also on March 8.

Fees increase incrementally beginning on Nov. 1, 2024, and again on Feb. 1, 2025. The deadline to register is 5pm ChST on March 5, 2025.

The event is co-organized by the MVA with Northern Marianas Athletics and is sanctioned under the Northern Marianas Athletics rules and regulations. In March 2024 the race hosted over 500 registrants from nine countries.

For more information, visit https://raceroster.com or www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects coordinator Ed Diaz at (670) 664-3210 or communityprojects@mymarianas.com. (PR)