Earlier date set for Escape from Managaha Island
After nobody succeeded in getting free in last year’s Escape from Managaha Island due to rough weather and high surf, organizers have decided to schedule the open water crossing four months earlier.
This June 26 the Marianas Visitors Authority and the KFC Triathlon Club will host the 2nd Annual Escape from Managaha Island—a swim event that would have participants cross the channel from the tourist hotspot to Hafa Adai Beach Hotel in Garapan.
Unlike last year when there were two races, the 2004 edition of the open water swim will only have the four-kilometer crossing.
But like 2003, swimmers must still pass the channel marker within 40 minutes. Participants who fail to do so will not be allowed to complete the race. Participants must also qualify and complete a 1500-meter swim in below 40 minutes.
Registration forms can be picked up at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool or at the MVA office in Oleai. Check payments must be made under the name of MVA.
Entry fee is $60 for adults and $50 for participants under 18 years old. Late entries will cost significantly more. Deadline for entries is June 12.
Entry fee includes swim cap, T-shirt, ticket to the awards party and ferry fee to Managaha Island. Prizes will be awarded the top three male and female finishers.
Members of the Northern Marianas Divers Association and the Saipan Swim Club are required to volunteer for the race. For more information, please call Toshi at 233-0670 or Frank Tudela.
Last year safety concerns forced the hand of organizers to discard entirely the historic crossing to Hafa Ada Beach Hotel.
SSC stalwarts Seung Gin Lee and Dean Palacios went on to finish first and second in the abbreviated course around the island, while 26-year-old Yuko Hirose of Japan topped the women’s division.
