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XTERRA and Tagaman fishing for finishers
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Posted on Jan 17 2006
Two and a half months from now there will be a number of professional, amateur, and first-time triathletes in the CNMI taking part in the major events of the third annual Saipan Sports Fest, but right now, planners are making the most of their time to market across the globe to reel in as many participants as possible.
Team Unlimited, Taga Inc., and the Marianas Visitors Authority have been working round the clock to host the multi-sport enthusiasts from throughout the region for April’s
XTERRA Saipan Championship and Tagaman Triathlon, and their efforts have been paying off.
Interest for the races has poured in from Japan, Korea, China, Russia, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Guam, and right here in the CNMI.
Local hotels are already taking reservations from racers in Europe and helping them make arrangements for equipment rental when they hit Saipan’s shores, and the homegrown crop of triathletes is making arrangements for home stays for those looking to compete in the PIC Double.
Ads in Japanese triathlon magazines and articles in their mainland counterparts have made an impact already, and sponsors have been lining up to take part in the biggest week on the local sporting scene.
Taga Inc. vice-president Wolf Mojica confirmed that the business community has already stepped up to support all of the aid stations throughout Tagaman’s 60-kilometer bike and 15-km run courses. Mojica also said that he is bringing back the award for the “Best Aid Station” once again.
Last year Pacific Development Inc. took the nod, as racers voiced their opinions during a post-race vote at the finish line. The booming music and the upbeat volunteers proved to be determining factors for their victory, and they will be coming back to defend their title.
Mojica issued a reminder to all interested athletes looking to enter the 17th Annual Tagaman Triathlon that the cost to enter the race is $120, but it will jump to $130 after Jan. 31.
