Marathon planners go the distance

The organizers of this January’s first-ever marathon on Saipan continued their drive to offer the region one of the finest events that the CNMI has ever seen during their afternoon meeting yesterday at the Marianas Visitors Authority headquarters in San Jose, as representatives from a number of supporting agencies reported on their progress.

After years of luring runners from Japan and Korea to compete in the now famous 13.1-mile Saipan Half-Marathon, MVA and newly founded Northern Marianas Athletics are just two and a half months away from doubling the distance for the ultimate endurance challenge.

Together with the NMA and MVA were representatives from Pacific Development, Inc., Pacific Islands Club, and the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation as they discussed a number of issues including the solicitation of local businesses for support in their new venture.

All agreed that the cooperation of the community is imperative to host such a major event, and they hope to receive news from local businesses soon.

Planners also decided on a 3:30am start time for the event to keep the runners out of the heat for as long as possible. That wasn’t the only time related issue on the table, as organizers also discussed imposing a six-hour time limit on the event, but eventually scuttled the idea to try and encourage all interested runners to attempt the distance without fear of beating the clock.

Aside from the marathon, organizers will also continue one of the most successful locally organized race as the 25th Saipan Half-Marathon (formerly the Kintetsu Half-Marathon) and 10km race will also begin on Saturday, January 21.

NMA president Kurt Barnes said that he’ll consider the marathon portion of the event successful if somewhere between 23 and 30 runners opt for the challenge that will take them from “Finisher’s Street” at the American Memorial Park to Marpi for the first turn around before sending them back along Beach Road to the PIC and back for the home stretch.

Organizers said that they know the challenges that await them but feel that the event will also give them and local athletes the opportunity to prepare for the marathon in next summer’s Micronesian Games.

The cost to tackle the longest race in the history of the CNMI is $35, and the fee for the half-marathon will remain the same at $25, but in an effort to curb the rush of last minute entries, organizers are adding a $10 fee to anyone not registered for either of the three races by Friday, Jan. 13, at 5pm. Registration will, however; remain open with the penalty pricing until the following week on Friday, Jan. 20, at 5pm.

History will be set in January when the top three runners in the male and female division take the tape as first ever finishers.

Last year, Jung Young Kim and Marcan Aldan topped the 215 field of runners during the 24th Annual Saipan Half Marathon and 19th Annual 10-kilometer Fun Run respectively, and this time around the top three male and female finishers winners of the 21.1km and 10km as well as the age groupers in the 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 and above will be rewarded.

For more information about the Inaugural Saipan Marathon, the 25th running of the Saipan Half-Marathon, or the 10km, contact Ed Diaz at MVA by calling 664-3210, or NMA President Kurt Barnes by calling 235-5853 or via email at kurtproa@yahoo.com.