Marathon top finisher Chang Whan Jang heads into the homestretch of Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024. Registration is open at www.mymarianas.com for the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon on Jan. 18, 2025, featuring a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K.
(MVA) — Commuter airline STAR Marianas is offering extra perks for the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon in The Marianas on Jan. 18, 2025.
To help boost visits to Rota for the annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, STAR Marianas has added flights between Rota and Saipan on Jan. 17, 18, and 19. The flights depart Saipan at 3:30 p.m. and depart Rota at 4:30 p.m. each day. Seven seats are available per flight, and flights are bookable at www.starmarianas.com/.
In addition, race registrants travelling to Rota for the event are eligible to have their race registration fees reimbursed by presenting their marathon registration form upon check-in to Rota with STAR Marianas. In addition, race participants who present their race certificate of completion upon check-in when departing Rota with the airline will receive an additional reimbursement equal to the registration fee.
“MVA started Rota Marathon last year to attract more visitors and media attention to the destination, and this year’s event is looking to be another success,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We are so grateful to Platinum Sponsor STAR Marianas for giving their full support again this year to grow the race. Registration numbers have already exceeded our growth goal for this year, rooms are nearly all booked, and these additional flights are a great addition. We invite everyone to take advantage of the opportunity for a great weekend in Rota this month for Rota Marathon 2025!”
As of Jan. 7, Tuesday, 113 registrants from South Korea, the U.S., Guam, and The Marianas have signed up for the event, compared to 83 registrants for the inaugural race last year.
Rota Marathon is organized by MVA in cooperation with Rota Mayor’s Office. In addition to STAR Marianas, this year’s sponsors include 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 Sen. 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.
Rota Marathon features a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses on one of the most picturesque islands of The Marianas archipelago, also known as “The World’s Friendliest Island.”
The race falls on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal and local holiday. Registration is $40 for the full marathon, $30 for the half-marathon, and $20 for the 5K. Full marathon participants must be 16 years of age or older. Half marathon participants must be 14 years of age or older.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the Overall Top 3 Finishers, male and female. In the full marathon, prizes are $400 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place. In the half-marathon, prizes are $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $150 for 3rd place. In the 5K, prizes are $200 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place.
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.
Free camping grounds are open at the beach of Chamorro Village adjacent to the Rota Round House in Songsong, the site of race packet pickup, start and finish line, and awards dinner. Restrooms facilities are available, and a shower spigot is available for rinse-offs.
The final day to register is Jan. 17, 2025. Mandatory race packet pickup will be on Jan. 17 from 5-6 p.m. at Rota Round House in Songsong, and the race briefing will be at 6 p.m. On Jan. 18, the full marathon will begin at 4 a.m., half-marathon will begin at 5 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 6:30 a.m.
Registration includes a Limited Edition Official Rota Marathon t-shirt, Rota Marathon medal, and one entry to the awards banquet to be held at 6 p.m. on race day. Registration may be made online at www.mymarianas.com or in person at the MVA office in Saipan at 3366 Beach Rd., Suite 101, Garapan or at the MVA field office in Songsong, Rota.
For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Ed Diaz at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200 or MVA Rota Field Operations Supervisor Dave Atalig at datalig@mymarianas.com or (670) 532.0327.
