Tang, Longona shine in Triple J 5K Bubble Color Run

PONY Tang and Taliana Longona took the spotlight in colorful fashion on Saturday as they finished first overall in their respective divisions of the Triple J 5K Bubble Color Run at American Memorial Park.

It was the perfect day for a run as participants took on the 5K course, which started at American Memorial Park and led to the turnaround point across from the former Pacific Trading Company, passing through three color stations along the way.

Leading the horde of runners was Pony Tang, who was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 20:54.53 — covered in vibrant colors — securing first place overall and in the men’s division.

Close behind was Sildrey Veloria, who settled for second place with a time of 21:21.07, followed by Victor Neil Santos in third with a time of 22:32.96.

In the women’s division, Taliana Longona clinched the overall title, finishing with a time of 22:44.93. She had only seconds to spare, as Tammy Ackerman came in next with a time of 23:16.84 to claim second place, while Erin Duffy settled for third at 25:10.63.

Joining the podium were the top three finishers in each age group:

Men’s (14–19)

Pete Phair

James Feng

Polem Riggillo

Women’s (14–19)

Julie Chavez

Genelyn Lasangan

Rhodalyn Zandueta

Men’s (20–29)

Philip Santos

Genren Canolo

Eugene Oliver

Women’s (20–29)

Raisse Urbon

Julia Chabul

Victoria Santos

Men’s (30–39)

Kurt Samsong

Kensoke Okuma

Francis Fidelino

Women’s (30–39)

Roxanne Soriano

Jeon Yaojin

Anastasia Dela Cruz

Men’s (40–49)

Michael Colanas

Nelson Balledo

Rick Baller

Women’s (40–49)

Kathleen Tolentino

India Goldman

Sheila Isla

Men’s (50–59)

James Abuy

Ramond Tolentino

Ferdinand Santos

Women’s (50–59)

Maya Chan

Won Jin Zi

Mei Hua Jin

Men’s (60+)

Tom Austin

Chango Park

Valentino Cruz

Women’s (60+)

Ming Yu Li

Helen Olbes

Lan Hua

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The event also coincided with Triple J’s ongoing community outreach initiatives.

Event sponsors included United Airlines, Tan Holdings, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Marianas Variety, Bank of Guam, Micronesian Brokers Inc., Wushin, Saipan Computer Services, McDonald’s of Saipan and Guam, Docomo Pacific, Soundhire, Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc., Black Construction Corp., D&Q International Distributors, Saipan Shipping Company Inc., S.T.A.R. Water Inc., Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Sereniti Hotel, and First Hawaiian Bank.

“We’re very happy with the results — around 800 runners completed the race but altogether I think I would say, maybe close to 900 participated. Again, we’re very happy with the turnout knowing the economic situation.” said Triple J Senior Vice President Mike Sablan. “But I’ll tell you one thing, we’re just so pleased with the amount of support that we got from various sponsors. The response was very, very high.”

As of Wednesday, the amount raised had not yet been tallied.

Although this is the event’s fourth year, this was the first year that it was held during the summer school break to coincide with the Liberation Day event.

“I just can’t say enough about how supportive the community has been, especially these sponsors, who stepped up to help make the event including the volunteers — we had more than 200 volunteers in total.” Sablan said. “We also want to thank the various government agencies that made this possible including American Memorial Park, DPS, and many government agencies. They all stepped up and made it possible.”