501 register for Saipan Marathon
A total of 501 runners have registered for Saturday’s 10th Saipan Marathon, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The MVA also reminds all runners they are required to pick up their race packets on Friday, April 24, from 4pm to 6pm at American Memorial Park, without exception.
“So far, it’s all systems ‘go’ for Saturday’s race,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “Organizing an event of this magnitude takes a lot of work, and we thank the numerous sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and community members who have been working diligently with us to make this year’s race a success.”
The 10th Saipan Marathon will feature marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 50K courses. Runners from Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Guam, the USA, and the CNMI have registered. This year’s marathon will include the participation of at least eight Japanese comedians, including long-time supporter Kanpei Hazama. He will be joined this year by Shoji Murakami, Tamura Kenji, FUJIWARA, Total Tenbos, Kentaro Uno, Izumono Okuni, and Moriyasu Ban Ban Bigaro.
The start will take place at the American Memorial Park at 4am for the 50K and the marathon, at 5am for the half-marathon, and at 5:45am for the 10K. The cut-off time for the 50K and marathon will be 8:30am at the halfway point in front of Bridge Capital in Garapan.
“Drivers on Saipan are great when it comes to supporting the Saipan Marathon and our other sporting events,” said Duenas. “We thank them for driving slowly and carefully on the course and following the directions of public safety officers, especially at intersections. If possible, we recommend that drivers take an alternative route other than Beach Road in the morning, to minimize congestion. Please ensure your dogs are restrained, and of course, everyone is encouraged to cheer for our runners and make them feel welcomed.”
Marathon sponsors are: ANGFA Co., Ltd., Mobit Co., Ltd., Artnature Inc., Delta Air Lines. Supporters include: Yoshimoto Creative Agency Co. Ltd., Dentsu Inc., Runtomo.net, Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands, Japan Saipan Travel Association, Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources Div. of Parks and Recreation, Dept. of Public Works, Hawaiian Rock, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Northern Mariana Athletics, Mariana Resort & Spa, Aqua Resort Club, IT&E, Hyatt Regency Saipan, PDI, GrandVrio Resort, Tasi Tours, PMT, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Kanoa Resort, Saipan World Resort, Saipan Southern High School MYWAVE Club,Commonwealth Health Center Nursing Department, KinPachi Restaurant, Bridge Capital LLC, KKMP, T Galleria, American Memorial Park, Saipan Mayor’s Office, CNMI Fire Department,and members of the MVA.
For more information, contact Ed Diaz at the MVA at 664-3210 or through email at ediaz@mymarianas.com. (MVA)
