Tania resets Grotto 10K course record

Tan

Tania Tan broke the course record in Run Saipan’s 2nd Annual Grotto 10K ’23 last Saturday in Marpi.

The 21-year-old Fordham University track and field varsity member eclipsed Dr. Lily Muldoon’s time of  44:57 set last year by running the 10-kilometer cross country run from the Grotto to just past Kalabera Cave in 42:50.

Northern Marianas College student and Tan’s national athletics teammate, Sildrey Veloria, came in second overall and first among the men after crossing the finish line in 44:54.

Tan said she’s happy to be back home and is slowly adjusting to Saipan’s hot and humid weather. 

“It was a little tough, especially at the beginning because I found it so hot and humid. As you can see I’m dripping [with sweat] but slowly I’m getting used to it,” she said.

The 2022 NMSA Athlete of the Year said aside from the heat, the course’s hills also gave her challenges.  

“The hills were tough for me. It was unexpected, especially the first part going out of the Grotto. It was a good challenge and we just tried to stick together as much as possible throughout the race. It was a lot of fun.”

Veloria

Veloria, for his part, tried to keep pace with Tan from the start but gave up halfway.

“In the beginning I thought I was going to keep up with Tania. But halfway I just had to let her go in the ending part halfway into the course. I just tried to maintain my pace and tried not to cramp if possible. Overall, it was a great race and I’m looking forward to next year,” he said.

Asked what was the hardest part of the race, Veloria said it was all the loose dirt on some parts of the course. 

“The dirt was pretty loose so you just try to bounce and not track the dirt and that for me was the challenge,” he said. 

Tan seconded Veloria when she said, “The ground was pretty uneven and you just had to watch your footing and to keep your pace. [There] was also a lot of cow poop.”

Finishing second to Tan in the women’s division was Savannah Grant in 55:21, while completing the Top 3 was Terra Allen in 55:47

Shigeki Tenorio finished second to Veloria among the men in 46:11, while Chad Taflinger came in third in 49:24.

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. congratulated Tan and Veloria for coming in first in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. 

“Amazing job to each one of you for achieving personal bests as well as completing the course under full and grueling humidity and daylight.” 

He also thanked Run Saipan partners and sponsors for making the event special as well as successful.

“Thank you to the Division of Parks and Recreation, especially director Michael Cruz for giving us access to the venue as well as restrooms available for our participants as early as 4:30am. Thank you to One Time Sports for the timing system and results. Thank you to IT&E for providing the wireless network to power our timing system. Thank you to Northern Marianas Athletics and Saipan International School for providing for the course safety systems and guidance ways. Thank you to the American Red Cross NMI Chapter and Latte Built 24 for providing again for this year’s refreshments for our runners.  Special thank you to the Division of Fire Emergency Medical Services, Commonwealth Ports Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and Department of Public Safety for providing first responders at our community event. They provided safety and medical assistance.  These events are never possible without the partnership and full support from our government.”

Dela Cruz also extended his kudos to Run Saipan’s army of volunteers. 

“Runners please thank them when you see them. Thank you to Run Saipan officials, Northern Marianas Athletics officials, and MHS Running Club and DanDan Middle school Students for volunteering and creating an exceptional event for our runners. Without you, there would be no Grotto 10K.”