DRAG Race Marianas 5k hosted by PalmTrio670 and Pride Marianas Youth on Saturday at the Garapan Fishing Base was a great success with nearly 150 participants.
“We planned for at least 100 runners to participate in this event, but almost 150 people signed up,” PalmTrio670’s Louvicki Camacho said.
“We wanted to celebrate Pride Month with an event that targeted holistic health and we thought that a 5k run was perfect to do that. We were so happy to see everyone there. The event turned out great!”
Among the participants were Sage Borja and Miss Marianas 2021 Savannah Delos Santos.
“I’m here see other queer folk in the community,” Borja said. “I’ve never participated in Pride events in the past, but now I’m free to be my authentic queer self. Pride Month represents what our community could be if people were encouraged to look outside of conventional norms and realize there are queer people all around them. We simply want to be seen and heard, period,” Borja said.
As for Delos Santos, she believes “it’s important to showcase support for our family and friends who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I want everyone to always feel loved and supported for who they are and who they love.”
Miss Marianas 2021 added,
“I love Drag Race Marianas! It came together very well thanks to PalmTrio670 and Pride Marianas Youth. I’m just so grateful that they gave me the opportunity to participate. I wanted to recreate a new Pride flag with painted handprints of those who attended the event. It was an idea I had brainstormed a few weeks ago and I honestly don’t think it would have come together as well as it did without the support of everyone who hosted, sponsored, and attended the event. And thank you to first lady Diann Torres for sponsoring the paint we used! If I could describe the whole Pride Month in one word, that word would be ‘heartwarming.’ It is such a beautiful sight to see so much love and support. I know it isn’t the same in other places in the world. But witnessing everything we did in the CNMI this month just gives me hope that it will only get bigger. Love is love!”
Louvicki Camacho would like to thank sponsors, friends and families who came out to participate and make the event possible.
“This wouldn’t have been a success without you guys! A special shout out to Pride Marianas and Pride Marianas Youth. You guys have been very supportive and helpful since the beginning. Our hearts are super full and we are so grateful to you all! We expect to do more events like this for the community. We love to see everyone come together and have a great time. We plan to make Drag Race Marianas an annual event.”
PalmTrio670’s Chrisloyd Lely holds the pride flag during the 5k Drag Marianas.
Participants take off from the starting line of the 5k Drag Race Marianas at the Garapan Fishing Base on Saturday.
