By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
IN a display of community resilience and a nod to a galaxy far, far away, Run Saipan held its 6th Annual Star Wars Run: May the 4th Be With You group run on Monday morning at the Garapan Fishing Base.
While the island continues to navigate the aftermath of recent challenges, including recovery efforts following a passing typhoon, the local running community gathered to find a sense of normalcy through sport and camaraderie, keeping the annual tradition alive.
The event, a staple for local fitness enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike, took on a more somber and reflective tone this year. Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. emphasized that the priority was not records or elaborate setups, but supporting one another during a critical period for the island.
“I don’t want to set expectations right now. I don’t want people to spend money,” Dela Cruz said, noting his decision to scale back festivities. “I don’t want to ask our volunteers to come in right now during this critical period. I want them to take care of their families and take care of themselves.”
Dela Cruz admitted he was initially hesitant to hold the run given the current stress levels on the island but was eventually persuaded by “Grandmaster” Galvin Deleon Guerrero to continue the tradition.
The run followed a simple format in which participants went at their own pace, covering distances ranging from a mile to a 5K. For many, the event was less about mileage and more about the foundational spirit of the organization.
Run Saipan member Galvin Deleon Guerrero highlighted the event’s history, noting that the Star Wars Run predates the group’s official nonprofit status by nearly six years.
“This almost didn’t happen, but I told the OG founder of Run Saipan, Ed Dela Cruz, ‘Dude, this is kind of in the roots of Run Saipan. This is why we have to do it — we can’t let it go,’” Deleon Guerrero said. “Yeah, it’s hard with the typhoon and all, but maybe right now, in the darkness surrounding the island, we need to bring the light of Star Wars.”
While the group run provided a brief respite, Dela Cruz Jr. confirmed that larger competitive events remain on hold as the community recovers. He noted that the half-marathon originally planned for August is currently not moving forward. Instead, Run Saipan plans to host more low-pressure group runs in the coming months to help residents decompress and share experiences with fellow runners.
For more information on future group runs and community updates, follow Run Saipan on social media.
