VETERAN runner Shuji Kuroda finished first in the 2nd Run Saipan Underground 5K Race on Saturday, clocking in at 00:19:18.
More runners participated in the monthly challenge that Edward Dela Cruz Jr. launched last month with 16 participants.
On Saturday, there were 42 runners in the race from the former Mariana Resort & Spa to the Last Command Post and then back to the former hotel.
Kuroda crossed the finish line with over two minutes ahead of the competition.
In second place was Kuu Nishimura who clocked in at 00:21:44 followed by Sam Culp, 00:22:20; Rex Pixley, 00:22:43; and Sildrey Velora, 00:22:50.
“It was amazing,” Dela Cruz said. “I was very shocked with the number of runners that came out for our second 5K as a running club. I do believe that people want more monthly 5K events.”
Dela Cruz said he felt somewhat overwhelmed as it was difficult to keep time for 42 runners.
He said a race crew will help facilitate future 5K races as more runners are expressing interest in the monthly event.
“The entire Saipan International School athletics squad came out to run. Kudos to Dr Ron Snyder for bringing his kids out as well as Marianas High School athlete Sildrey Velora for representing the Dolphins. I hope we get to see more students coming out and taking part in the future,” Dela Cruz said.
“The running community we are building is based on fellowship, camaraderie and a sense of belonging. For this 5K event, just like the last, everyone waited until the last runner came in and it was just amazing. Every runner that finished turned around and cheered for their fellows that came in after. It’s becoming a family thing now.”
Dela Cruz said he is thankful to the Marianas Visitors Authority “for continuously supporting our growing running community by supplying us with traffic cones and race clock.”
He added, “Thank you James and the Variety team for getting our story out there. Thank you to Dr. Ron Snyder and Coach Robin Sapong for always supporting our runners on island. Most importantly, thank you runners who are reading this. Whether or not you participate in these 5Ks, thank you. We do this for you. The running community has changed my life and we just want to give back to you. This will always be for you guys. If there were no runners here, there would be no Run Saipan.”
The Run Saipan Underground 5K Race was held Saturday at the former Mariana Resort & Spa.
Photo by Jonathan Sugutan
Shuji Kuroda finished first in the Run Saipan Underground 5K Race Saturday at the former Mariana Resort & Spa.
Photo by Jonathan Sugutan
