Denevan, Muldoon top Happy Hearts 5K

Denevan

A couple who runs together, stays together.

Not only did lovebirds Michael Denevan and Dr. Lily Muldoon joined and ran in the 2nd Annual CHCC Happy Hearts 5K Fun Run & Walk; they also topped their respective divisions last Friday evening.

From the Garapan Fishing Base to just past the Japanese Tank Memorial in Quartermaster and back, the couple raced each other to the finish—with Denevan outsprinting Muldoon in the end with a time of 20:48. Muldoon crossed the finish line a few seconds after at 21:31.

After Denevan in the men’s division was Greg Tusso at 21:58 and third was Chad Taflinger with a time of 22:12.

In the women’s division behind Muldoon was Adallee Taflinger at 25:19 and third was Rosemarie Chisato at 25:20

Muldoon

Denevan, who is married to Muldoon, said that, “I really enjoyed the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K race! Run Saipan did an amazing job organizing, as always, and it was great to see so many [Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.] staff come out and participate.” 

“The run itself was really fun. Dr. Lily Muldoon was close behind me until the turnaround when I was finally able to get some separation while she was focused on cheering for the other runners,” he said.

For Muldoon, CHCC Medical director of Public Health. said that from the beginning of the race, she knew her husband was out for blood. 

“I could tell by his body language at the start line that Michael was going to be racing me today and out to win it. He kept a fast pace and at the turnaround point I knew I didn’t have what it would take today to keep up with him. Big congrats to Michael Denevan! I’m always happy when he decides to get out and run.”

Additionally, she said “We had many representatives from CHCC out running and walking, including people across departments and specialties. These races provide an important way to connect with colleagues and get to know one another outside of the workplace. I highly encourage employers to organize fun runs and walks with their staff and families. These events build connections while promoting activity and exercise.”  

“Friday evening on Beach Road with the sun setting over the ocean is invigorating and a great way to start the weekend,” she said.

Sunshine Squad chair and Run Saipan vice president Dr. Jenna Kong said after the event.

“This is the second year that we put together this Happy Hearts 5K. It’s to show the support that the hospital staff has for embracing cardiovascular health and we hope to make this an annual thing with Run Saipan. We’re really happy about the increased turnout we had this year. We had 160 some runners sign up versus 100 last year, so hopefully it’ll keep on growing.”

Prior to the race, the Sunshine Squad, CHCC’s charity/social events committee, donated $1,000 to Run Saipan.

To view race results, check out https://results.onetime.sport/activities/event/5285e1c0-c090-4e4d-8134-e429353523c6.