Marathon numbers and prizes are in

With three days remaining until the inaugural running of the Saipan Marathon, organizers are turning their focus on finalizing all of the last-minute details to ensure that all of this year’s participants leave the CNMI with a positive first impression.

As of yesterday afternoon, the field of 37 marathon runners consists of athletes representing Japan, Korea, and the CNMI between the ages of nine and 67, and more are expected to sign up before the race—especially among the local ranks.

A larger turnout will traverse the course from Micro Beach to the Pacific Islands Club and back, as there are currently 55 long-distance runners confirmed for the race. With many familiar names missing from the list, that number is expected to swell with a number of entrants hailing from Saipan.

The senior statesman of the day’s events will be participating in the 10-kilometer race as 76-year-old Niinomi Saburo is among the 78 early risers signed up for the pre-dawn challenge.

All racers have a chance at taking home their share of the $1,800 up for grabs for the top finishers, and yesterday afternoon the race organizers released the breakdown of the bankroll.

The Top 3 men and women marathoners stand to take home a piece of the purse on Saturday, as the first to cross the line in their respective divisions will bag $200, while second place takes home $175, and third place leaves with $150.

The cash prizes for the Half-Marathon winners will receive a nice chunk of change as well, with each of the top trio of men and women taking home $100, $75, and $50 for their respective first, second, and third place finishes.

The 10-km runners will have to work the least for their winnings, as the top men and women will earn $75, $50, and $25 for crossing the line in first, second, and third, respectively.

In addition to the cash prizes, organizers have already collected a number of in-kind contributions from several local companies, including Saipan Shipping Co, CTSI Logistics, GIG Discotheque, Saipan Sunset Cruise Inc., Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Sea Star Inc, Saipan Sea Ventures, Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Pacific Islands Club, Century Insurance Co., Budget Renal Car, The Visitors Channel, Pacific Development Inc., Caronel Watch Center, Pacific Micronesia Tours, Island Apparel, Duty Free Shoppers, Pacific Trading Co., Northwest Airlines, Yano Enterprises, Aqua Resort Club, Tasi Tours, as well as support from Safety First, McDonald’s Saipan, Hawaiian Rock, the Commonwealth Health Center, the Department of Public Safety, and the Division of Parks and Recreation.