Saipan Marathon gets support from sister city Katori, Japan

Close family ties are a hallmark of life in the Marianas, and the island of Saipan is feeling the love of its sister city, Katori, Japan, in helping to draw attention to Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9. To further attract entries, the early bird registration deadline has been extended to Jan. 31, 2024.

A certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), Saipan Marathon is co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Northern Marianas Athletics and is sanctioned under the Northern Marianas Athletics rules and regulations.

At the request of the MVA, the Katori City government distributed a press release about the marathon to Chiba Prefecture media outlets last month. As a result, New Chiba Times was scheduled to publish an article about the race shortly after. In addition, the sister city is also promoting Saipan Marathon on its official Facebook page and via LINE, a communications app used by 80% of the population in Japan.

“We are deeply appreciative to the government of our sister city Katori for partnering with us to promote Saipan Marathon to their citizens,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Katori City and Saipan have a shared history, and we hope this will be another step toward building on that history and building new ties for a new generation. We look forward to that.”

As a symbol of reciprocity, Concepcion announced that the Saipan Marathon will extend a special courtesy to marathon registrants from Katori that will be announced shortly.

On Dec. 10, the MVA was also given the opportunity to distribute leaflets promoting Saipan Marathon at Katori Koedo Marathon, a family running event with 3,800 participants this year. Leaflets will also be distributed at other larger running events through January around Japan, in addition to other ongoing marathon promotions.

Early bird rates through Jan. 31, 2024, are $90 for the full marathon, $60 for the half marathon, and $60 for the 10K and 5K. Full marathon participants must be age 18 or older. Half marathon participants must be age 14 or older. With valid photo ID, students ages 18 or younger by Dec. 31, 2023, may register for 10K or 5K for $40 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Beginning Jan. 1, rates will be $100 for the full marathon, $70 for half marathon, 10K, and 5K; and $50 for students. Fees will increase again on Feb. 1, 2024. The deadline to register is 5pm ChST on March 7, 2024, and participants may register at www.raceroster.com.

A new course highlighting iconic sites from the Marianas’ rich history awaits full marathon runners. The road race will traverse sites from the various eras of Marianas history, including pre-history, the Spanish administration, the Japanese administration in the early 1900s, World War II, and modern history as a U.S. Commonwealth.

Cash prizes will be awarded for top finishers and by age division in the marathon. Participants will receive a limited edition official Saipan Marathon T-shirt, official Saipan Marathon medal, Certificate of Completion and one entry to the awards banquet, also on March 9.

To register visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/78587/saipan-marathon-2024 or for more information contact MVA Community Projects coordinator Ed Diaz at 1 (670) 664-3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com. (MVA)