Pixley, King-Hinds top 8K cross country run

Rex Pixley and Kimberlyn King-Hinds were the overall winners of their respective categories in the 8K open division of Run Saipan’s first Saipan International Airport Trail Run which also served as the CNMI’s cross country championship.

In the men’s division, the 17-year-old Pixley outran everyone with a time of 33:24, while King-Hinds was the fastest woman on the course with a time of 41:20 in the cross country course that spanned the perimeter line of the Francisco M. Palacios/Saipan International Airport.

Behind Pixley was fellow Marianas High School Dolphin Pony Tang at 33:42, while Samuel Zhu completed the Top 3 with a time of 34:16.

After King-Hinds was Rosemarie Chisato at 44:18 and Ann Bang with a time of 44:54.

For Pixley, he said he really enjoyed the course. “It was a nice cross country course around the whole runway and it felt really good.” He said it was the first time he’s joined this race and heard about it from Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr.’s social media post. As this was also alongside the Veterans 5K race, Pixley dedicated his win to his brother, Jason, who served in the U.S. Navy.

For King-Hinds, she said the course was “really tough. It had different terrains—you’re going on- and off-road and then the elevation—there are some really nice small hills. And so, it’s a very challenging course. I think it’s a good way to start warming up if you’re interested in doing the marathon and getting involved in races like this super year for long distance running. It’s so awesome.”

She added that she didn’t think she would be the first woman to finish the course because she thought she was going to gas out halfway, “because I’m not a trained runner, I’m just a fun runner.”

In the 35-39 men’s division, Matthew Giovannoni topped it with a run of 38:41, while Kerri Bauer, along with her baby, topped the women’s with a time of 1:00:36.

The women’s 40-44 saw Angela Taflinger come first with 47:52; Shiela Isla was second with 52:11; and third was Cherie Moses at 52:32.

Chad Taflinger was first in the men’s 40-44 at 38:03; followed by Beau Bauer with 48:47.

Jess Gariguez was the lone runner in the men’s 45-49 age group, with a time of 1:04:54.

In the men’s 50-54, James Abuy was also the lone runner at 46:37.

For the women’s 50-54, Jessica Ortizo was the fastest at 46:23; and Marilou Carlos was second at 51:46.

Cary Bertocini was the fastest men’s 55-59 runner at 45:54; and Dr. Ron Snyder was right behind with dog Gilligan at 47:10.

And in the 60-69 division, barefoot runner Chong Nam Lee ran the fastest at 45:32; Paul Khang was second at 50:31; and another barefoot runner, Changwhan Jang. was third at 51:47.

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. thanked the Commonwealth Ports Authority “for partnering with us again this year on highlighting our beautiful airport. The airport route is very beautiful and one of our veteran runners’ favorite courses. Thank you for your support and we look forward to next year again.”

“Thanks to Northern Marianas Athletics, the Department of Public Safety, the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter and our officials for another great event. And thank you to Saipan Tribune for sharing our story,” said Dela Cruz.

Results of the Veterans Day 5K cross country run will be published in tomorrow’s edition of Saipan Tribune.