Quinns lay claim to DFS Galleria Enticer crown

Russ and Kanae Quinn emerged from a field of 46 competitors last Saturday to become the first family of the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation Enticer Series, when they were the first to cross the finish line of the DFS Galleria Enticer Triathlon at Pau Pau Beach in Marpi.

Following the success of last month’s Enticer Triathlon, the NMITF hosted its third and final abbreviated event in the series aimed at getting people hooked on a healthier lifestyle.

This time out, Russ Quinn took the tape in the men’s division of the 600-meter swim, 15-kilometer bike, and 4km run with an overall time of 1:03:05. His wife Kanae matched the accomplishment in the women’s division with a time of 1:18:44.

Philip Pedernal (1:11:46) finished in second place, ahead of Fred Camacho (1:12:16) in third for the men’s division, while Laura Hohman (1:22:14) returned to the Enticer to place second, and Betty Johnson (1:27:57) took third. The winner of last month’s enticer race, Rob Schultz returned to finish strong in fourth place with an overall time of 1:21:17, while wife Brenda took 5th in the women’s division with a time of 1:33:45.

Last Saturday, the NMITF hosted the next level in its series of races for aspiring Tinian-bound triathletes. This event featured a slightly more difficult race than the December outing, while it was shorter than an average triathlon.

The top male finishers among the 18 people who competed in the 1,200m swim, 30km bike, and 8km run of the double-sprint race were Dirk Sharer (1:53:04), Stephan Samoyloff (1:56:03), and Tyce Mister (2:05:27). The top female finisher was seasoned veteran Dawn Hammermeister, who finished with a time of 2:11:05.

There was even a youth among the men who competed in the double-sprint race, as Caleb Gabby (2:26:51) continued his progress throughout the series by taking the challenge of the extended distance race.

The team option was also available to the athletes, as the family combo of Mitchell, Peter, and Kathryn Sinclair were the first to finish the enticer distance (1:10:02), ahead of the two-headed juggernaut of Wayne Bramlett and John Douglas (1:22:25).

The team of Gayle Berger and Monica Yamiguchi was the only team entry into the double-sprint race, and the speedy squad finished with an overall combined time of 2:26:33

NMITF officials have put together the beginners’ series that will prepare the beginners to tackle the Tinian Triathlon in February, after which, they will award a free entry to Tagaman Triathlon in April to the most promising Rookie in the series.

There were two special prizes awarded to the most promising rookies in the series, as Gary Padsing and Melissa Coleman received complimentary registration fees for the Olympic-distance triathlon that will be held on Tinian on Feb. 19 courtesy of KFC Triathlon and Onishi-san.

Race director Sue Knecht said she was pleased with the outcome of the series overall, and that she appreciated all of the hard work and support that the NMITF received from the community to put on the races.

“We’d like to thank all of the volunteers who helped us with the race. Many thanks go out to Stephan and Deena Samoyloff, Ted and Linda Graf, Owen Gabbie, Nate and Krista Hawley, Shireen Alam, and Stan and Gemma Good, among others. Last but not least, we would like to thank DFS Galleria for sponsoring the race, along with Hyatt Regency Saipan, the Pacific Islands Club, and KFC Triathlon for providing great prizes,” said Knecht.