All set for Tapochao Turkey Trot Run

Northern Marianas Athletics’ Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run is all set for tomorrow, Nov. 23.

The traditional Thanksgiving Day race will kick off at 6am at Lower Base with over 100 runners expected to join the 4.2-mile uphill run up to Saipan’s highest peak.

As always frozen turkeys await the fastest male and female runners in each age group.

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr., whose club is helping organize the running event, said they’re looking forward again for all runners to tackle the most lung-busting and hardest road race in the Marianas.

“We still have some very competitive runners in the registration pool such as record-holder Keith Longsuki making a comeback this year and Dr. Lily Muldoon making her debut at the Turkey Trot. Agape Christian School is making a strong showing with more than half of current registration from ACS. It will be an amazing Thanksgiving morning filled with traditional runners and new faces,” he said.

Dela Cruz then thanked Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement Bermudes and the rest of the police force for their ongoing support of road races since the No. 1 priority is road safety especially over 100 of runners are through Route 31.

“They will be our key organizational partner for tomorrow’s run to ensure the safety for all our participants. We are looking at over 100 runners next week. It’s going to be awesome… One of the raffle prizes this year is a brand new iPhone thanks to IT&E which you don’t want to miss!” he said.

Registration fee for the 2023 Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run is $10 and $5 for adults and under 18 runners, respectively.

For more information, email Dela Cruz at edwardjrdlc@gmail.com.

Sponsors of the 2023 Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run are Joeten, IT&E, Saipan Vegas, MARPAC, and many more.

Last year, Keith Ketola and Kate Leugers were the fleetest afoot in the 2022 edition of the Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run.

Ketola ran the 6.754-kilometer course in 37:13, while Leugers crossed the finish line in 39:48.