Former champions return for Rota Triathlon

Former champions Hidea Miyazuka and Taro Shirato will return to the CNMI this month for the 18th Annual Rota Blue Triathlon set for Nov. 12.

Principal sponsor Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan has confirmed the two will join this year’s competition. Miyazuka is a five-time champion of the triathlon event, while Shirato has taken the crown six times. Triathletes from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Guam, and Japan have registered to take part in the annual Ironman event.

“Rota Blue continues to have a faithful following of athletes who return year after year, as well as a steady stream of new competitors,” said community projects manager Martin Duenas of event co-sponsor Marianas Visitors Authority. “You can’t beat the course, racing through Rota’s tropical waters and on quiet roadways through villages and jungles. Rota Blue is a world-class event.”

The event is also sponsored by the Rota Mayor’s Office. The triathlon features two distances: an A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5 kilometer swim, followed by a 40-km rigorous bike course, and a 10-km run (no time limit) and the B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2.0-km swim, followed by a 90-km bike course, and topped off with a 21-km run (8-hour time limit). For team competitors, they can join the A-type distance, again with no time limit.

Starting time for both distances is at 6:30am at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted, while bike helmets are required. Registration fees are $80 for A-type course solo competitors and $70 for each member in the team event. The fee for the B-type course is $100. The entry fee includes event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet at East Harbor.

Pre-registration will be held on Nov. 11, from 11am to 12:30pm at the Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar. The swim course inspection will be held the same day from 1 to 2pm at the East Harbor. Final registration will take place that evening from 4:30 to 8pm at the Rota Resort & Country Club’s Sunset BBQ Tiki Tiki. The pre-race briefing for all participants will be held that evening from 6 to 7:30pm. The awards banquet will be held after the race at 6:30pm at East Harbor.

The annual Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the CNMI. Completing the list are the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and the Tinian Turquoise Blue events.

The Rota Blue Triathlon is also sponsored by Rota Resort & Country Club, other government departments and agencies, and the people of Rota.

For more information about the annual Triathlon, please contact Frank Tudela at 1-670-664-3200/01 or ftudela@mymarianas.com, or contact Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]