By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
LOCAL distance-running sensation Nathania “Tania” Tan has once again etched her name into the NMI history books after delivering a masterful performance at the prestigious EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival 2026.
Competing in the Tenerife Banks 10km event on Sunday, Tan shattered the NMI 10km road record with a blistering time of 37:20, securing a strong fifth-place finish in a highly competitive elite women’s field.
The atmosphere in Brisbane was electric as elite runners took on the fast, scenic road course. From the starting gun, Tan positioned herself aggressively in the lead pack, maintaining a disciplined and relentless pace throughout the 10-kilometer race.
Her time of 37:20 shaves significant seconds off the previous NMI benchmark, further cementing her status as one of the most dominant distance runners in modern NMI athletics.
The elite women’s division produced standout performances across the board, with Australia’s Kobi Walker winning the race in 33:47, followed by Rhiannon Northcott (35:26), Madi Roberts (36:38), and Katy Casterton (37:07) before Tan crossed the line.
Tan’s record-breaking run in Brisbane marks another milestone in an impressive career dedicated to elevating NMI athletics on the international stage.
Sunday’s race is part of her build-up to her next competition, the Oceania Athletics Association’s Oceania Half Marathon Championships 2026, scheduled for July 4 on the Gold Coast, Australia.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
