Rota Marathon on Jan. 13 just keeps giving

Participants in the first-ever Rota Marathon slated for Jan. 13, 2024, are in line to receive even more than a great race.

Event organizer Marianas Visitors Authority has extended the early bird registration deadline to Christmas Day, Dec. 25, continuing to offer the price of $30 for the full and half marathon courses and $10 for the 5K. Cash prizes for the Overall Top 3 finishers, male and female, have also been increased for the full and half marathon. In the full marathon, prizes have been raised to $500 for first place, $400 for second place, and $300 for third place. In the half marathon, prizes are $400 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. In the 5K, prizes are $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Group rates for more than 10 runners are also being offered.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make our first Rota Marathon a success, and we encourage everyone to join us in doing so. Come on out and enjoy a great weekend in beautiful Rota!” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion.

Event sponsors include Valentino Hotel. The local community is stepping up with classic Rota hospitality to make the race a memorable one for visitors to The Friendly Island. Rolling out the welcome mat for runners are Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog, who has pledged the support of the municipal government to assist the MVA in staging the event. Rota’s four members of the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature have also signed on to cheer on runners and man aid stations along the route: Senate vice president Donald Manglona (Ind-Rota), Sen. Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota), Sen. Dennis Mendiola (R-Rota), and Rep. Julie Ogo (Ind-Rota).

Rota is 30 minutes from the capital island of Saipan via light aircraft. Concepcion said the MVA has also reached out to Star Marianas to request the addition of extra flights. The airline also offers charter flights.

The race falls on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Beginning Dec. 26, 2023, registration rates will be $40 for the full marathon and $20 for the 5K. Full marathon participants must be 18 years of age or older. Registration forms are available on The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarians.com/the-marianas-calendar and may be submitted in- person or via email to the MVA offices on Saipan or Rota.

The last day to register is Jan. 12, 2024. Mandatory race packet pickup will be on Jan. 12 from 5pm to 6pm at Rota Round House in Songsong village. On Jan. 13, the full marathon and half marathon will begin at 4am, and the 5K will begin at 6am.

The road race will begin at Rota Round House and traverse scenic and historic sites on the island. Registration includes a limited edition official Rota Marathon T-shirt, Rota Marathon medal, and one entry to the awards banquet to be held at 6pm on race day. Registration may be submitted in person at the MVA office in Saipan at 3366 Beach Road, Suite 101, Garapan or at the MVA field office in Songsong, Rota.

For more information, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ed Diaz at ediaz@mymarianas.com or 664-3200 or MVA Rota field operations supervisor Dave Atalig at datalig@mymarianas.com or 532-0327, or visit www.mymarianas.com. (MVA)