Held annually, the Cross Country run on rough terrain in the areas surrounding Saipan International Airport drew public and private school students 18 years old and under.
Last year, about 40 young athletes and aspiring athletes from different schools on Saipan trekked the grassy two-mile run course in three series that were held two weeks apart.
This coming Saturday, the first series will kick off at 4 p.m.
Like in the previous events, the age groups for this year’s Cross Country Series include eight years old and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, and 18 and under for both males and females.
Taking into consideration of the students participation in on going sports activities like the Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball Leage, the Pacific Island Club Beach Volleyball, the Coalition of Private School Volleyball League and the continues preparation by some athletes for the coming half marathon event in Guam, NMA has anticipated very busy days for young athletes.
However, Rangamar said the level of interest that NMI’s young athletes showed during last year’s event gives them optimism that this year’s Cross Country will become as successful as ever.
Matthew Mancao who keeps himself busy preparing for the 2009 Gatorade Ko’ Ko’ Road Race in Guam was last year’s Cross Country Series champion in the Boys’ 18-and-under division.
Jacque Wonenberg won the championship in the Girls’ 18-under division.
In Cross Country, runners complete a course over open or rough terrain that includes grass, mud, woodlands, and water.
It is a popular participatory sport, and usually takes place in temperate regions during the autumn and winter when soft conditions underfoot prevail.
For more information contact Elias Rangamar at tel. 664-2502.
