The participants of the 2nd Annual Run Saipan Trinity pose for a photo after completing day 3 of the event in the Route 30 “Drag Strip” area near the former Mariana Resort & Spa on Monday.
MARTIN Hess and Addalee Taflinger topped all three events of the 2nd Annual Run Saipan Trinity and were named overall champions of their respective divisions.
Hess finished overall first on days 1 (Beach Road), 2 Mt. Tapochao) and 3 (Marpi), clocking 38:42, 25:00, and 17:57 for a total time of 1:24:40.
Joining him in the spotlight is Taflinger. Combining her times of 52:12 (day 1), 33:03 (day 2), and 24:39 (day 3), she emerged as the women’s overall champion with a total time of 1:49:55.
“Very warm congratulations to our new champions,” said Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr.
“It is not easy to wake up every day on a three-day weekend and compete in brutal courses,” he added. “We had a very stacked competitive field and had more of Saipan’s fastest runners toe the line this year.”
Dela Cruz added, “Well-deserved congratulations go out to our new champions Martin and Addalee.”
He noted that last year, Chad Taflinger, won the men’s division and this year his daughter has taken over the throne in the women’s division.
“Looks like we are starting to have a Taflinger dynasty in our three-day race festival,” Dela Cruz said.
Top 10
Th rest of the top 10 in the men’s division were Sildrey Veloria with a total time of 1:27:37, Victor Nash Santos (1:28:27), Simon Tang (1:34:06), Shigeki Tenorio (1:37:54), Landen Taflinger (1:38:01), Chad Taflinger (1:39:02), Ronald Villafria (1:41:52), Adam Walsh (1:44:25) and Aaron Pamintuan (1:50:52).
In the women’s division, the rest of the top 10 were Shawna Brennfleck with a time of 1:52:38, Ann Bang (1:55:23), Angela Taflinger (2:02:52), Kathy Ruszala (2:09:23), Marilou Carlos (2:11:02), Cherie Moses (2:13:55), Sheila Mabutas (2:15:22), Kaylen Taflinger (2:16:20), and Marjorie Ganacias (2:16:15).
“Overall, the event went amazingly well,” Dela Cruz said. “This race is based on testing runners physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I feel we covered all that in all our courses.”
He said 60 runners signed up for all three days, and 43 completed the challenge.
“Amazing job to them all for finishing all three days. God bless their bodies and legs,” Dela Cruz said.
He said there will be new surprises in store for the participants in next year’s Trinity.
“I keep hearing people say they will never run it again after completing it the first time. We have had over 30 repeats this year, so fingers crossed for next year,” he added.
“Thank you to all our sponsors and partners for this year’s support: IT&E, Northern Marianas Athletics, Saipan International School, Marianas High School National Honor Society, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, James Sablan Jr. of Marianas Variety, Leigh Gases Saipan of Tribune and our officials of Run Saipan.”
He added, “Everyone be ready for Trinity 2025 marked for Jan. 18, 19 and 20.”
To register, go to https://raceroster.com/events/2025/84897/trinity-2025
