The Off-Road Half Marathon will be accompanied by a Fun Run event, which contains a smaller course. Registration for all runners will start at 5:15 am, with the half marathon starting at 6 am and the fun run starting at 7 am.
Runners for the off-road half marathon will be running down coral roads passing through the Far East Broadcasting Company site, Marianas Resort Golf Course, Kalabera Cave, and the Bird Island overlook.
Like the half marathon, runners taking the shorter course will also be passing by the Last Japanese Command Post.
Head Coordinator Brad Ruszala stated that they will take a detour leading towards the Cowtown Raceway, where they will join the half marathon racers in a final one and a half mile trail leading back to the finish line at Banzai Cliff.
The $20 entry for the event will benefit the Independent Football Club. Ruszala noted that the IFC is a non-profit organization that does not charge kids to take part in its activities but rather, rely “solely on the kindness of the local community” to provide its players with uniforms and equipment. IFC coaches and players will be present at the half marathon and fun run events as volunteers.
“For the first time in the event’s history, I’ve received a number of phone calls and emails from people seeking the registration forms in advance of the event. That sounds like there is increased interest in this year’s event. I’m really excited about it and I can’t believe it’s this Saturday,” said Ruszala in an email.
“I’ve got great prizes for the top finishers including medals, IT&E phones, and prize packages but the winners aren’t the only ones who will get some prizes. Everyone will receive a t-shirt, food from subway, and an assortment of giveaways from the Marianas Visitor’s Authority.”
In addition to the prizes, a post-race raffle will be available for all participants.
A total of 20 sponsors will be supporting the half marathon and fun run events, as well as Mayor Donald Flores.
