Principal sponsor Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan confirmed both athletes’ presence this year. Miyazuka is a five-time champion of the triathlon while Shirato won the crown six times. Triathletes from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Guam, and Japan have registered to compete in the annual Ironman event.
“Rota Blue continues to have a faithful following of athletes who return year after year as well as a steady stream of new competitors,” said community projects manager Martin Duenas of co-sponsor Marianas Visitors Authority. “You can’t beat the course, racing through Rota’s tropical waters and on quiet roadways through villages and jungles. Rota Blue is a world class event.”
The event is also sponsored by the Rota Mayor’s Office.
The triathlon features two distances: an A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km rigorous bike ride, and a 10-km run (no time limit) and the B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2-km swim, 90-km bike ride and a 21-km run (8-hour time limit).
The A-type distance applies to team competitors with no time limit.
Starting time for both distances is 6:30 a.m. at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted and bike helmets are required. Registration fees are $80 for A-type course solo competitors and $70 for each member in a team. Entry fee for the B-type course is $100.
The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet at the East Harbor.
Pre- registration will be held on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar. The swim course inspection will be held on the same day from 1 to 2 p.m. at the East Harbor. Final registration will take place that evening from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Rota Resort & Country Club’s Sunset BBQ Tiki Tiki. Pre-race briefing for all participants will be held that evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The awards banquet will be held after the race at 6:30 p.m. in the East Harbor.
The annual Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the Northern Mariana Islands. The other three include the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and Tinian Turquoise Blue events.
The Rota Blue Triathlon is also sponsored by the Rota Resort & Country Club, other government departments and agencies, and the people of Rota.
For more information, contact Frank Tudela at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected] or Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327.
