The Marianas Visitors Authority announced that the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands “is lending its full support to next month’s Saipan Marathon, with a substantial prize donation,” to help the event draw more international attention and attract more visitors.
Saipan Marathon which is estimated to be participated in by 1,000 runners will be held on March 6.
MVA said HANMI has “sweetened the pot” for the runners by donating a $1,000 prize each to the top male and top female winner of the full-marathon category.
The HANMI was established in 1985 as a professional forum for the hospitality industry of the CNMI.
HANMI’s member hotels will also be assisting with the race orientation the day prior to the event will help man the aid stations along the route.
“Sports tourism is a realistic development for the Northern Marianas, and we hope to entice both off-island competitors and our local athletes to the Saipan Marathon with this prize offering,” HANMI Chairman Nick Nishikawa said in a statement.
“We would love to see the Saipan Marathon become one of largest regional marathons. With the support of the local government and community, that is an achievable goal,” he added.
Nishikawa said the Saipan Marathon is on its way to becoming one of the top three overseas marathons for Japanese runners, and is getting closer next to the Honolulu Marathon that currently ranks first.
One of the signature events hosted by MVA, Saipan Marathon aims at attracting visitors and international media to the islands.
The event will also include a half-marathon and 10K categories. The deadline to register with the MVA is Feb. 25.
