(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority’s newest annual signature event — Rota Marathon — nearly doubled its number of registrants in its second run on Jan. 18, 2025.
While the 2024 inaugural event had attracted 83 registrants, this year’s race – again featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K – attracted 150 registrants from eight countries and territories, including the U.S. South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Guam, China, Fiji, and The Marianas.
“Rota Marathon 2025 exceeded our expectations for Year Two, providing a picture-perfect showcase of the best of The Marianas — stunning natural beauty, quiet island charm, and unmatched hospitality,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Once again, we thank the municipality of Rota for joining MVA in turning the spotlight on the gem of an island that Rota is for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts looking for an escape to paradise.”
In true Marianas style, this year’s race results highlighted family and friendship among participants.
They say, “Rota is romantic,” and couple James Munnis (3:52:36) and Krista Hawley (4;06:06) made it a weekend to remember by taking 1st place in the full marathon Men’s and Women’s Divisions, respectively.
“Rota is beautiful. It’s my first road marathon, and I felt so lucky to run it on the beautiful island of Rota,” said Hawley, a recently returned former resident of The Marianas. “It was really well supported; the volunteers were amazing. I felt well taken care of. I loved the 4 a.m. start because you avoided the heat.”
Hawley arrived on-island extra early for the event, providing more time to enjoy the island ambience.
“I flew in Thursday morning,” she said at the awards dinner. “I feel very relaxed. I’m glad I was able to spend three whole days here enjoying the Swimming Hole, the beaches, and the people…and the food!”
Munnis was followed in the Men’s Division by Damon Jensen (3:59:36) of the U.S. in 2nd place and Yishi Lao (4:14:45) of China in 3rd. Hawley was tailed by Aspen Egbert (4:20:07) of the U.S. in 2nd place, who also had several family members among the top finishers. Ann Bang (4:32:17) of The Marianas rounded out the Women’s Division of the full marathon in 3rd.
In the half marathon Victor Nash Santos (1:26:38) of The Marianas set the pace with his 1st place finish, followed by Eldon Egbert of the U.S. (1:34:44) and Michael Owen (1:39:02) of the U.S. The Women’s Division was led by Lily Muldoon (1:42:03) of the U.S., Heather Brook (1:46:59) of the U.S. and Shawna Brennfleck (2:00:41) of the U.S.
Half-marathon participant Jeff Maguire of Colorado has run half-marathons in 33 states across the U.S. with his sister and — fresh off a half-marathon in Japan the week before — took a short flight detour to the U.S. Commonwealth to participate in Rota Marathon.
“The race was awesome. Everyone here has been super friendly, way friendlier than any race I’ve done before,” Maguire said. “The course support was great. I believe everyone got out at 4 a.m. to put water out and everything. Awesome job, all round. I love just hanging out on the beach. I’m really glad I came. Totally worth it!”
In the 5K Victor Neil Santos (22:15) of The Marianas echoed the winning form of his brother Victor, cruising to the top spot in the Men’s Division. Hot on his heels was Jun Shimada (22:48) of Japan, followed by Peter John White (25:06) of The Marianas. Siblings Paylor (25:37) and Cambrie Egbert (26:46) of the U.S. crossed the line first in the Women’s Division, while 3rd place finisher Megumi Takaku Shimada (27:19) of Japan joined her husband Jun in the 5K winner’s circle.
Over $4,000 in cash and other prizes were awarded. All participants received a Limited Edition Rota Marathon race t-shirt and entry to the awards dinner at the Rota Round House, featuring island dishes such as deer kelaguen (raw deer meat marinated in lemon juice and other spices), chicken kelaguen, and fresh coconut juice. Race finishers also received a medal and certificate of completion.
Rota Marathon is organized by the MVA in cooperation with Rota Mayor’s Office. This year’s sponsors include Platinum Sponsor STAR Marianas Air, Gold Sponsor Ambros/Marpac, and In-kind Sponsors I-Shop, Coral Ocean Resort, and Hybrid Shop. Aid stations will be provided by Offices of the Governor & Lt. Governor, Rota Mayor’s Office, Office of Senate President Dennis Mendiola, Office of Rep. Julie Ogo, Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School JROTC Buck Battalion, Calvo’s Ent., and Light Heart Hotel. Supporting agencies are the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, the Rota Municipal Council, and the Department of Public Works.
Several student groups also cheered on participants: MY WAVE Club, AmeriCorps, National Honor Society, and STUCO.
Rota is 30 minutes from the capital island of Saipan by light-aircraft. In addition to daily flights, charter flights are operated by STAR Marianas Air to Rota from Saipan and Guam. The island also offers award-winning dive opportunities, numerous historic sites, and rich culture.
The 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025, attracted 150 registrants from eight countries and territories to the southernmost island in the Marianas. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featured a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K.
Marvin Tamangided, left, and Sean Torres White of Saipan take on the 5K course of the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Lynnae Yobech, left, of the Marianas and Diane Abigania take on the 5K course of the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Daniel Calvo of the Marianas takes in the sights as he heads to the finish line of the half marathon course during the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Ancient limestone monoliths called latte stones point the path forward for Dasom Kim of South Korea as she runs the half marathon course of the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025. Rota is home to several U.S. National Historic Landmarks, including the Latte Stone Quarry at As Nieves.
Stephen Dame of the Marianas takes on the half marathon course during the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025. Rota, called Luta by locals, has several monikers based on its charms, including Rota is Beautiful, Rota is Romantic, and Rota is Delicious.
Hometown youth Hazel Mejia was among dozens of locals who joined the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025. The event was inaugurated in 2024 by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Rota Mayor’s Office to attract visitors to the island.
Michael Pimentel of the Marianas takes on the half marathon course during the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Men’s Division 1st place finisher James Munnis counts down the final few miles of the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Local students cheer for runners in the village of Songsong during the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Aubrey Paige Arriola White of the Marianas takes on the 5K marathon course during the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Sarah Faegre, left, crosses the finish line with her son after completing the half marathon in the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025.
Top finishers in the 5K course of the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025 with their medals at the finish line. From left, 2nd place Eldon Egbert, 1st place Victor Nash Santos, and 3rd place Michael Owen.
Top marathoners in the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025, receive their awards. Starting fourth from left, Women’s Division 3rd place Ann Bang, 2nd place Aspen Egbert, and 1st place Krista Hawley; Men’s Division 1st place James Munnis, and 2nd place Damon Jensen. Not pictured is 3rd place Yishi Lao.
