The Marianas Visitors Authority and Rota Mayor’s Office have laid the course and are finalizing logistics for the swim-bike-run event, while the Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan is making final preparations with the athletes it has recruited for the event.
The Rota Blue Triathlon is an annual signature event of the MVA aimed at attracting visitors to the southern-most island in the Northern Mariana Islands chain. The annual event is widely anticipated by and supported by the local community, as well. Clear blue water and quiet courses through lush jungles and scenic coastlands await this weekend’s competitors on the island proudly called “The Friendly Island” by residents.
“Everything is proceeding smoothly in preparation for this weekend’s event, the biggest sporting event each year on Rota,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “We hope the good weather continues to hold and look forward to sending all our visitors home with a smile on their face for having participated.”
The annual triathlon will feature two distances. The A-type solo triathlon will include a 1.5-km swim, 40-km biking course and a 10-km run. The B-type solo triathlon will include a 2-km swim, followed by a 90-km rigorous biking course and a 21-km run. There will also be an A-type team triathlon. The A-type triathlons have no time limit, while the B-type has an 8 hour time limit.
Returning professional triathletes and other well-known athletes in Japan lead the pack of registrants. Registration fees are as follows: A-type solo triathlon for all three events is $80, B-type solo triathlon for all three events is $100, and A-type team triathlon is $70 for two or three persons. The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, entry to the awards banquet, and a guaranteed great time.
Registration applications are now being accepted at the MVA office. Pre-registration will take place on Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar. The swim inspection will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the East Harbor. Final registration will take place the same day from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rota Resort and Country Club, with the pre-race briefing for all participants held at the same venue from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Start time is 6:30 a.m. at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted and bike helmets are required. The awards banquet will be held on race day at 6:30 p.m. at Rota’s East Harbor.
For more information about the Rota Blue Triathlon, contact Frank Tudela at 1-670-664-3200/01 or ftudela@mymarianas.com, or Sandra Atalig of the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com.
