Tank-2-Tank returns to Susupe

Those seeking pursuing a better life in the CNMI through exercise have no need to travel as there are always events popping up that promote a healthy lifestyle, and this weekend is no different as the Marianas Tourism and Economic Council is hosting the Tank-2-Tank Aquathon once again.

Swimmers and runners get their opportunity to shine this Saturday, Dec. 3, as participants taking the challenge of the full course will take to the lagoon and swim the approximately 500 meters out to the partially submerged Sherman Tank and back—twice. From there, they will don their running shoes and run northward along the beach path to the Japanese Tank Memorial at the intersection of Quartermaster Road and back to finish line at AJ’s.

Last time around Chris Fryling and Mieko Motoyoshi emerged from a crowd of over 90 runners and swimmers to take the title in the 17-and-over open division as Fryling was the first to complete the 1-kilometer swim (15:13) and finish the 5-km run (23:31) to the Japanese Tank at Quartermaster Road and back, with an overall time of 38:44, while Motoyoshi exited the water in 14:28 and completed the run in 25:47 for a time of 40:15 combined.

The cost to enter the event is $20 for individuals and $30 for teams and like last year includes a commemorative race T-shirt and a complimentary breakfast at AJ’s. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers of each of the six divisions, and everyone will be entered into a raffle for an assortment of prizes from the AJ’s Restaurant, Island Apparel, PIC, World Resort, Dai-Ichi Hotel, Tony Roma’s, Capricciosa, Saipan Sunset Cruise, Ernst and Young, Hyatt Regency Saipan, All Star Sporting Goods, Saipan Tribune, Hotel Nikko Saipan, Aqua Resort Club and the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Competitors will face varying degrees of difficulty based upon their ages and ability, starting with the children of the 8-and-under division, who will swim 100 meters and run 1km. The kids in the 9-12 year old division will double that distance while the teens between 13-16 years old will have it a little tougher by swimming 500m and running 2km. The longest distance remains for the mentally tough as both the 17-and-older Open division and the 40-and-over Masters division will face the full brunt of the 1km swim and 5km run.

Those without a wealth of aquatic experience can also opt for the Anything Goes division in which participants will swim 500m with the aid of a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jackets before heading out for the2km run.

Registration starts bright and early at 6:30am at AJ’s and the events get started an hour later at 7:30am.