Activities afoot in Rota this fall

Runners, cyclists, and swimmers have plenty to be happy about this season as the Northern Marianas Triathlon Federation is working with a number of organizations in a number of places to offer one of the most exciting seasons of multisport in recent memory.

Last weekend the NMITF kicked off the Enticer Series in Marpi, and this morning they are assisting with the 2nd Try Wayne Tri in Susupe, but there is still more to come in destinations other than Saipan. While many of the rookies are looking to swim, bike, and run their way into shape, others addicted to the “runner’s high” will be able to get their fix soon with the return of the 9th Annual Rota Fiesta Half-Marathon.

After weeks of letter writing from the prominent long-distance runner’s lobby, the Marianas Visitor’s Authority joined local athletic enthusiasts Joshua Berger and Mark Williams to bring back the popular event in time for the Rota Fiesta.

The half-marathon is slated for Saturday, Oct. 8, but the time to make reservations is now. With people racing to snatch any remaining seats on the limited flights and booking rooms at local hotels, advanced planning is a must when traveling to the CNMI’s southernmost destination.

There will be a pre-race briefing on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Rota Roundhouse starting line at 6:30pm, and the 13.1 mile race will get underway the following morning at 5:30am.

The athletic action in Rota doesn’t stop there, as a month later the KFC Triathlon Club will be hosting the Rota Blue Olympic Distance Triathlon in association with the MVA on Saturday, Nov. 19, at triathlon in Rota, Saturday, November 19, 2006

Important Pre-race briefing Friday night, 6:00 P.M. on ROTA

The course includes a 1.5K ocean swim that local officials call amazing, followed by a 40km rolling hills bike ride, and a 10km run. In the past there has been a Half Iron Man distance race as well, but currently the status of the extra distance endurance race is unclear.

The cost to register for the half marathon is $10, and the fee covers a commemorative tee-shirt and awards luncheon. To register for the 9th Annual Rota Fiesta Half-Marathon, stop down to the MVA in San Jose on or before Friday, Oct. 7. For more information, contact Frank Tudela at the MVA by calling 664-3210.

The fee for the Rota Blue Triathlon is $80, and registration is possible through Onishi-san at KFC triathlon via email to kfc-onishi@gem.hi-ho-ne.jp. More information about the race is available at http://www.gem.hi-ho.ne.jp/kfc-onishi%20/.