Over 60 brave heavy rains for Turkey Trot

A total of 63 early birds conquered strong winds, heavy rain, and a foggy path up to Mt. Tapochao in the 20th Annual Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Fun Run last Saturday.

Although taking place a little later than its traditional Thanksgiving morning date, the event, which started at the Department of Public Works Beach in Lower Base, turned out to be a success, with participants from all ages gathering for morning exercise that burned calories gained two nights earlier.

Topping the race was veteran triathlete Russ Quinn, who reached the peak in 39.51. He was followed by Robert Jordan (39.58) and Dirk Sharer (40.42). Sharer’s times was also best in the men’s 40-49 age category.

Capping the Top 10 were Chris Fryling (40.54), Dan Kimball (41.09), John C. Douglas (42.11), Michael Johnson (43.41), Noriko Jim (44.10), Steven Pixley (44.30), and Rennan Butch (44.41).

For her part, Jim was the first female to complete the race, while Pixley’s time was good for top honors in the men’s 50-and-up category.

Finishing 19th overall and first in the women’s 40-49 category was Dawn Hammermeister with a time of 52.01, while Steven Lizama clocked in just four seconds later to finis 20th overall and first in the boy’s 18-and-under category.

Monica Yamaguchi proved she still could run with the best of them, placing 22nd overall and first in the women’s 50-and-up category with a time of 53.19, while Bo Wang took the 18-and-under girls category after clocking in at 53.33. Her time was also good for 23rd best overall.

The 12-and-under division winners featured Crosby Schultz taking the top spot for the boys with a time of 1:06.23 and Madison Schultz for the girls with a time of 1:24.07.

This was the second time both Schultz kids took part in the challenge, and both seemed pretty satisfied and happy with the finish.

“It was fun. We’re going to do it again next year,” one of them said.

With heavy rain still pouring at the end of the race, participants and organizers moved to the Micro Beach pavilion behind Hyatt Regency Saipan for the awards ceremony and raffle drawing. Winners each received a Butterball turkey. The event was organized by the Northern Mariana Islands Track and Field Federation.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to all the participants and sponsors for continuing to take part in this annual event,” the NMITFF said.

Sponsors for the event included Pacific Islands Club, SaipanCell Communications, DFS Galleria, and Island Floral.