(MVA) — 166 registrants signed up for Monday’s (May 19) Marianas Tourism Month 5K Sunset Run, with 120 taking to the starting line at Garapan Fishing Base, Saipan.
With the western lagoon awash with end-of-day orange and blues, the run started right on time at 5:45 p.m. under the watchful eye of race organizers, the Marianas Visitors Authority and Run Saipan.
“MVA would like to extend a huge thank you to all the run and tourism enthusiasts who turned out for this week’s race, which was quite relaxing and beautiful at sunset,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas, who also joined the run. “Run Saipan put on another excellently organized event and has been a tremendous partner in amplifying our message this month that ‘Tourism is Everybody’s Business.’ ”
Topping the men’s division were Nash Santos (18:53), Takeru Jim (19:20), and Landen Taflinger (19:53). First finishers for the women’s division were Addalee Taflinger (23:24), Terra Allen (26:36), and An Bang (26:43). Cash prizes were $50 for 1st place, $30 for 2nd place, and $20 for 3rd place. Shania Alvarez won $75 for the best tourist outfit.
The celebration of May Marianas Tourism Month continues this week with a focus on island beautification projects on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. “Operation Cleanup” on Tinian on May 21-22 will bring government partners together to clear and extend the historic Ginzoa Trail and Kastiyu Cave site. On May 23, visitors to the island of Tinian will be welcomed to assist with tree planting at tourist sites or major roadsides as part of the “I am a Green Tourist” activity. The public is invited to join the annual Tourism Month Industry Cleanup on May 24 in Saipan. Individuals may clean in their respective business areas, villages, homes, or public areas, or join the MVA and tourism partners at 8 a.m. at Makaka Beach south of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan in Garapan.
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Sherman Santos at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200/1.
120 participants join the Marianas Tourism Month 5K Sunset Run on May 19, 2025, starting at Garapan Fishing Base. The race was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Run Saipan.
Nash Santos, front, sets the pace for a 1st place finish in the Marianas Tourism Month 5K Sunset Run on May 19, 2025, starting at Garapan Fishing Base.
120 participants — including some dressed as tourists — join the Marianas Tourism Month 5K Sunset Run on May 19, 2025, starting at Garapan Fishing Base in Saipan.
