Agape Team 1 members raise their hands in after finishing first and setting a new course record in the Christmas Island Relay hosted by Northern Marianas Athletics at Micro Beach on Saturday.
AGAPE Team 1 has done it again, and this time they not only topped the open division, they also set a new course record with a finish time of 1:11.14 in this year’s Christmas Island Relay hosted by Northern Marianas Athletics on Saturday morning at Micro Beach.
Agape Team 1 did not lead the entire Saipan Half Marathon course as team leader Samuel Zhu was initially about 50 meters behind the lead runner. Going head-to-head with Agape was Run Saipan Alpha led by Pacific Games gold medalist Tania Tan, but toward the last leg, Agape managed to gain the lead and secure the win.
In second place was Run Saipan Alpha with a time of 1:13.93 followed by MHS’ Team Dolphin led by Pony Tang with a time of 1:15:27.
Agape’s Samuel Zhu said “the second leg was the toughest as my teammates had to run from Navy Hill to Inos Peace Park, the turning point, and back to Inos Peace Park.”
But half of the course was part of their training routine, Zhu said. “It’s very interesting and challenging. It is a race that starts and ends in the same place, which makes it easier to be familiar with,” he added.
“We are thankful for the race, and the organizers for making it a fun and interesting race. And we are also thankful for [our coach], Pastor [Kok H.] Pang.
“This is the oldest running event in the NMI. The event is older than half of the generation now. We wish everyone a safe and happy merry Christmas!” Zhu added.
Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr, who is also a member of Northern Marianas Athletics, said it was tough coaching his Run Saipan Alpha team while overseeing the course setup and officiating.
“As for the new course, it definitely had a positive impact for sure,” he said. “Because of the tournament course and the turnaround point, we sort of had a Christmas mosh party as everyone had the chance to see each other and give high-fives.”
A total of 21 teams and 105 individuals participated in his year’s event.
“A big thank you to our sponsors Marpac, Current CNMI, IT&E, McDonalds’, Triple J, TSL Foundation & Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Marianas High School National Honor Society, Coca-Cola, and the Department of Public Safety as well as Marianas Variety’s James Sablan and Saipan Tribune’s Leigh Gases,” Dela Cruz said.
Team participants pose for a group photo after completing the Christmas Island Relay hosted by Northern Marianas Athletics on Saturday at Micro Beach.
