Triathletes invade Marpi anew

While many people across the CNMI were getting ready for their weekend barbeques at the beach, several others gathered at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in Marpi for a swim, bike ride, and a run, as the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation hosted an “Enticer Triathlon” in the wee hours of last Saturday, Nov. 6.

In an effort to attract more people to the sport of three, the NMITF put together a series of races aimed at preparing would be triathletes for the Olympic distance triathlon in Tinian in February.

NMITF volunteers and organizers were surprised at the large turnout, as 36 racers showed up to take part in the event. Adding to the delight of organizers is that 31 of the participants had never competed in a triathlon of any distance.

Organizers and volunteers made a list of those needing bikes, helmets and goggles, and began to register the rookies.

Due to the larger than expected turn-out, several of the experienced triathletes opted to volunteer to help as race buddies, transition help, or as course safety officers.

NMITF president Stephan Samoyloff assembled the mass of first-timers for a pre-race briefing at the pool before Saipan swim coach Mike Stewart, blew the whistle to start the event at 8:05am.

The first-time racers used a variety of methods to negotiate the 200-meter swim, to include a few who chose to utilize fins and snorkels. Though no two strokes were the same, the athletes were in unison in their desire to try something new.

From the pool, racers quickly made the transition to the bike portion of the course, which featured an approximately 3-kilometer ride northward from the pool to the dump, where they turned around and headed back.

After reaching the driveway to the pool, volunteers racked their bikes while racers then transitioned to the 1km run north to the FEBC road sign, before returning to the pool.

The first place finisher overall it was Saipan International School teacher Wayne Bramlett. The experienced triathlete pulled off the fastest combined time of 25:09 to finish ahead of Gary Padsing in second (25:26), and Caleb Gabbie in third (26:06).

Gabbie also finished first in the youth category ahead of second place Brad Brostrom (29:00–ninth overall), and third place Justin Alexander (32:13—14th overall).

Betty Johnson placed first among the women with 32:03, for 13th overall, while Brenda Schultz (17th overall) was just a minute behind in second place with a 33:03, followed by third place Laura Hohman with a time of 34:00.

The sole female youth competitor was Natasha Good who finished with a time of 28:06 and in 7th place overall.

The NMITF will continue the series with a second enticer at Pau Pau Beach on Saturday, Dec. 11, when the distances are increased to a 600-meter swim, an 18-kilometer bike, and 4-kilometer run. Registration and start times have yet to be announced.