Silver Streak not just for adults

Less than a month remains before a crowd of runners gathers in the heart of the Garapan shopping district to participate in the 12th Annual Tom Picarro Memorial Fun Run, and organizers said they will have something new to offer the younger Streakers.

As with the races in the past, T-shirts will be given to the first 175 finishers, but this year there will be tank tops and T-shirts for the children who enter the race as well. The “first come, first serve” condition still apply, and according to race organizer Wolf Mojica, racers will have their work cut out for them.

“We’re expecting around 200 entrants, but we’d like to have more,” he said.

The fleet and not-so-fleet will receive a DFS water bottle as they gather outside of the DFS Garapan Galleria on Saturday, June 18, for the Silver Streak, before they travel south to Quartermaster Road, turn around at the tank, and return to the Galleria in memory of the former president of DFS Saipan and avid runner, P. Thomas Picarro. The 4.2-mile fun run follows one of the favorite practice courses of the silver-haired man who used to wave at everyone as they drove by.

“I am happy to carry on the tradition that I promised Mrs. Picarro so that people will remember who her husband was,” said Mojica.

Those not sure about whether or not they are able to complete the distance can take comfort in that the journey to the tanks and back will have two water stops along the way. The first will be roughly one mile into the course, and the second will be at the turn-around.

There will be a $5 registration fee, and all of the proceeds will be given to the Guma Esperanza. There will be several age divisions and prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as first place over all men and woman.

Race check in will be at 5am at the taxi entrance of the Galleria on the day of the race, and runners should get there early to ensure that they have enough time to sign in.

“It’s a 5 o’clock show and a 6 o’clock go,” said Mojica.

Registration forms can be picked up at DFS Saipan Limited head office on the second floor of the Galleria between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, in the boutique offices from 9am to 9pm, daily, or at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym in Oleai.

For further information call Wolf Mojica at 234-6615, ext. 540.