Popular Japanese comedian and event participant Kanpei Hazama was on Saipan last week to film a 54-minute preliminary inspection of the island and the marathon course. The show will air this Saturday, February 19th, 2011, to an estimated 2-million viewers in Japan and it will bring the Northern Marianas nearly $9.7 million in ad exposure.
“The publicity wheel has been steadily gaining speed through our outreach work in Japan over the last several months,” said MVA Marketing Manager Bruce Bateman. “By far, the sixth staging of the Saipan Marathon is going to have the largest ad exposure impact yet for the Northern Marianas.” he added.
The “Kanpei Hazama Earth Marathon” project ties the marathon to both Hazama and the prestigious Earth Marathon series based in Japan. Several other celebrities will be joining Hazama in the race, and several companies that sponsor the Earth Marathon have also stepped forward to sponsor this year’s Saipan Marathon. Overall, four television stations and three publications will be on Saipan to cover the race.
Awards are up for grabs for the first through sixth place finishers for both males and females in all three races. Awards will also be given in eight age divisions for the top male and female in the 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and up categories as well.
The Saipan Marathon will feature a full marathon (26.2 mi./42.195km), a half marathon (13.1 mi./21.1km) and a 10K (6.2 miles). The final registration deadline for the marathon is this Friday, February 18th, 2011; registrations will not be accepted after this deadline. Registration forms may be submitted to the MVA office.
Entrance fee for the full marathon is $110 International/US/Guam and $65 CNMI. Entrance fees for the half marathon and 10K is $80 International/US/Guam and $55 CNMI. A valid CNMI Driver’s License or ID is required to establish proof of residency.
For more information, visit the MVA website at www.mymarianas.com, or contact Ed Diaz of the MVA at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected].
