KONQER to host inaugural OCR on Rota

KONQER, Guam’s original obstacle course race, continues its expansion across Micronesia with the first-ever Enduro Championship (E1) event on Rota on Sept 14, according to KONQER chief experience officer Kaz Endo.

“Like Taga, KONQER was born in Guam, but it’s finally moving to Rota,” said Endo. “The OCR World has a new championship proving ground. We are so excited to bring the savage and brutal course design to the world’s friendliest ssland.”

The by-invitation-only event includes 20 entries for the soloist division (male or female), and 20 team spots for the three-person relay division. The course will include a 16K (approximately 10 miles) off-road run, a 3.8K (2.5 miles) open water swim, and 10 obstacles to navigate, with a reward of $1,000 in prize money to the top solo finisher and $3,000 to the top relay team.

“While our main events are designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy, the E1 Championship will challenge athletes even of the highest caliber,” said Endo. “If you’re putting together a relay team, I would suggest putting together a team with people who dominate in a respective area. This means one strong runner, one strong swimmer and one agile ninja!”

Interested participants may apply or be nominated for an invitation to compete at konqersports.com. There is no registration fee for the event, but participants will be responsible for costs of travel and accommodations, with KONQER organizing charter flights to assist athlete transportation to and from Rota.

“We are looking forward to bringing KONQER E1 Championship to Rota, reflecting the MVA’s continued efforts to develop additional sporting attractions in Rota and to boost travel to the island from Saipan, Guam, and beyond,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “We invite the Rota community to come out after the championship and enjoy the KONQER obstacle course for free with family and friends as we welcome this new event to the island.”

After the E1 Championship concludes, the obstacle portion of the event will be open to the public to enjoy. There will be no fee, but all participants will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to enjoying the obstacle course.

“I don’t think a course like this exists anywhere in the world,” said Endo. “The challenging course set against the stunning island scenery of Rota is something that must be experienced first hand.”

For more information, visit konqersports.com or email support@konqersports.com.

The KONQER E1 Championship is presented by MVA, Bank of Guam, APL, and Coors Light, and is sponsored by IT&E, GoPro, TriVision Media Group, DR Safety, Valentino Hotel, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, and Vantage Advertising. (PR)