Organizers making strides in marathon planning

Representatives from local hotels, athletic associations, government agencies, and volunteer groups were on hand last week as organizers of next month’s inaugural Saipan Marathon continued their drive to offer the region one of the finest events ever seen.

The group of planners convened in the conference room of the Marianas Visitors Authority headquarters in San Jose to report on their progress.

After years of luring runners from Japan and Korea to compete in now famous 13.1-mile Saipan Half-Marathon, the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics (formerly the Northern Marianas Islands Track and Field Federation) are little more than a month 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 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 had previously decided upon a 3:30am start time for the event to keep the runners out of the heat for as long as possible, and they reopened the issue in light of recent comments of by local runners who would prefer to have the race start a little later. Safety remained the priority for the organizers as they maintained the early go time in an effort to thwart the effects of the Saipan sun.

The marathon was not the only item up for discussion as organizers pushed through with the planning of the 25th Saipan Half-Marathon (formerly the Kintetsu Half-Marathon) and 10km race will also begin on Saturday, Jan. 21.

NMA president Kurt Barnes said that he’ll consider the marathon portion of the event successful if somewhere between 23-30 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 PIC and back for the home stretch.

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.