(MVA) — Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 attracted 512 registrants from nine countries and territories on Saturday, March 9, for full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K courses.
Runners from the Northern Marianas, Korea, Japan, China, Guam, the U.S., Hong Kong, Russia, France, Poland, and Ireland took to the start line beginning at 4:30 a.m. Topping the men’s division in the full marathon were Yuki Kaneyama (2:44:45) of Japan, Shohei Miyamoto (2:46:21) of Japan, and Ni Yusheng (2:57:53) of China. Leading the women in the full marathon were Lee Hana (3:31:54), Egbert Aspen (4:17:07), and Bang An (4:23:40) of the Northern Marianas.
Saipan Marathon is a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. The marathon is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, organized in cooperation with Northern Marianas Athletics and sanctioned under the Northern Marianas Athletics rules and regulations.
In his welcoming remarks at the awards banquet at Hyatt Regency Saipan, MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion noted a 57% increase in registrants this year compared to the last marathon.
“Course certification by World Athletics, professional timing, a beautiful run in paradise, growing business and community support, an awards dinner at the beach, and you! It’s been amazing,” Concepcion said. “Our goal at the Marianas Visitors Authority is to continue to build each year on the foundation we have set of delivering a world-class marathon here in the Marianas…”
Topping the men’s half marathon were Jody O’Sullivan (1:23:41), followed by Santos Victor Nash (1:29:02), and Gong Jungchul (1:33:31). Leading the women were Lee Youn Kyung (1:40:11), Noriko Jim (1:45:02) and Jihee Kim (1:47:48).
With the largest pool of runners, the 10K was led in the men’s division by Veloria Sildry (1:09:00), followed by Kosuke Sato (1:11:19), and Bergancia Anthony John (1:12:20). Leading the women’s division were Akiko Miller (1:13:33), Chavez Andrei Kaithlyn (1:13:32), and Deguchi Maki (1:18:33).
Teenagers took most of the top spots in the 5K, with Michael Miller (00:18:13), Tang Pony (0:18:48), and Jim Takeru (0:19:20) leading the men’s division. In the women’s division Aflinger Addelee (00:22:39) finished first, followed by the lone adult top finisher Tongren Zhang (00:29:10), and Lang Emma (0:30:21).
Nearly $19,000 in cash prizes were awarded to the winners at the awards banquet at Hyatt Regency Saipan. Additional prizes were awarded for the Wacky Awards: Best Costume, Akira Takatsu and Jiamei Hong; Best Body Paint, Luisa Ernest and Ronald Quindoza; Shortest Shorts, Leo Wania and Chung Chise; Most Awesome Shoes, Jennifer Tan; Ugliest Shoes, Okawa Taro; and Craziest Hair, Liezel Davis.
Skechers was the exclusive title sponsor of the race. Coca-Cola, Foremost, Subway, Powerade were Platinum Sponsors. Gold Sponsors were Bridge Capital, IT&E, and Triple J Saipan. Silver Sponsors were United Airlines, Matson, The Athlete’s Foot, Boarderline, and All-Star Sporting Goods. Additional sponsors were American Memorial Park and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.
In-kind contributors were Westco, Bike Pro, M&E Enterprises Inc. Saipan, Johnny’s Bar & Grill, and Run Saipan. Aid stations were provided by Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Bridge Capital, the office of Vice Speaker Joel Camacho, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, DFS T Galleria, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, the MY WAVE Clubs of Marianas High and Hopwood Middle Schools, the Pacific Islands Club Saipan, PDM Promoters, Saipan World Resort, and Saipan Paddling Club.
Additional supporters were the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Parks & Recreation, Jeju Air, the Veterans Affairs Office, Marianas Health Services, Hawaiian Rock Products, and CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office.
The race began and ended at American Memorial Park in downtown Garapan, with the full marathon traversing Saipan picturesque and lush northern Marpi area.
Saipan Marathon 2025 will be held on March 8, 2025. Registration is anticipated to open at raceroster.com this summer.
A group of runners from Skechers and Tan Holdings Corp. prepares to start Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9. Over 500 registrants from nine countries joined the annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority.
William “Billy” Grow, left, and Frank Camacho of the Marianas join the Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9. Over 500 registrants from nine countries joined the annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Volunteers from Kensington Hotel Saipan provide aid to runners during the Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9.
Kathy Ruszala of the Marianas makes her way to an age division top finish in the full marathon course in the Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9.
Atusko Yoshimi and Yoshiko Nishida of Japan enjoy a little wackiness in the Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9.
