By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

PARTICIPANTS in the TagaKids Saipan continued their preparations for the annual event with 18 youngsters joining last Saturday’s Kids TRYathlon at the Pacific Island’s Club.
Last Saturday’s Kids TRY had an off-road course and run-swim-run format, instead of the run-swim-bike, as organizers were anticipating wet weather, which never came.
Participants started the race with the run leg at the PIC beach and then moved towards the first buoy before proceeding with the run course again.
Five-and-under participants passed only one bouy, while older participants had to reach the second buoy before coming out of the water and resuming the run leg.
Cole Chambers placed first in the 5-and-under divison, followed by Logan Mister, Gianna Griffin, Catherine Atalig, Gilliam Villagomez, Tony Atalig and Max Hawley.
Maxi Braig finished ahead of three other participants in the 6 to 7 age group. In second place was Opal Northen, followed by Lisa Atalig and Aida Griffin.
Michah Griffin won the 8 to 9 age group beating Misaki Cramer, while Clay McCullough-Stearns ruled the 10-11 age group defeating Andrew Johnson, Ashley Northen and Jack Sharer.
Emma McCullough-Stearns was the lone entry in the 12 to 13 age group.
After last Saturday’s race, the NMI’s young triathletes will have two weeks to prepare for the TagaKids Triathlon, which will be held on March 25 at PIC.