The participating teams pose for a photo after completing Run Saipan’s 4th Marianas Ekiden at Micro Beach on Saturday.
TEAM Asia Pacific International finished first in Run Saipan’s 4th Annual Marianas Ekiden at Micro Beach on Saturday morning.
With the usual half marathon course blocked by ongoing construction, this year’s path headed north.
Unfazed, API blew through the competition. Takeru Jim led the first 5K distance with a split time of 6:20/mile followed by Pony Tang at 6:22/mile, Kaithlyn Chavez, 7:11/mile and Michael Miller, 5:29/mile for a total finish time of 1:23:00.
Tang said it was cold, but it was fun, and the wind was not that strong. “It was a pretty good course. It was dark but it only gives you adrenaline while the dogs chase you,” Tang said in jest as the rest of the team laughed.
In second place was Team No Speed Limits at 1:28:00.
Sildrey Veloria led his team with a split time of 6:31/mile followed by Dr. Lily Muldoon, 7:01/mile, Chong Nam Lee, 7:46/mile, and Jody O’Sullivan, 5:59/mile.
In third place was Go! 50’s with a total time of 01:43:00. Akiko Miller’s split time was 6:58/mile followed by Yuriko Custodio, 10:57/mile, Noriko Jim, 7:26/mile, and Kosuke Sato. 6:28/mile.
Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said there were a few changes to this year’s event. One of them was the final leg: instead of running the final 1km together as a team, the last runner had to run a full 6K.
“The turnout was great,” he added. “Along with a solo runner, we had 45 total runners. This is a middle/long distance race and not a lot of people like that — it’s not a one-mile relay.”
Everyone was given a finisher shirt inspired by anime Dragon Ball Z and A6.
Dela Cruz also recognized and thanked the other Run Saipan officials, Northern Marianas Athletics officials, the Marianas High School National Honor Society, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Cha Café.
Members of Team API reach the finish line of Run Saipan’s 4th Marianas Ekiden at Micro Beach on Saturday.
No Speed Limit team members jump for a photo after finishing second in Run Saipan’s 4th Marianas Ekiden at Micro Beach on Saturday.
