Rota Marathon 2024 will traverse the scenic roadways of the island on Jan. 13, 2024. The race, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, will feature full marathon, half marathon, and 5K courses.
(MVA) — Highlighting one of the most picturesque islands of the archipelago, the Marianas Visitors Authority will inaugurate the Rota Marathon on Jan. 13, 2024, featuring a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses.
MVA is bringing its long-standing experience and expertise organizing Saipan Marathon, Tagaman Triathlon, and other international sporting events to provide runners a seamless and memorable race in the captivating and quaint island of Rota.
“Among those that are already familiar with the island, Rota is known by several charming colloquialisms: The Friendly Island, Rota is Beautiful, Rota is Romantic, Rota is Delicious. And it’s all true. Rota is a gem!” said MVA Acting Managing Director Martin Duenas. “We’re extremely pleased to announce the first-ever Rota Marathon as the kick-off of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s 2024 calendar of events. We are sending out the call near and far for runners of all levels to experience a great race and the charms of Rota with us.”
The race falls on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Cast prizes will be awarded to the Overall Top 3 Finishers, male and female. In the full marathon, prizes are $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place. In the half-marathon, prizes are $400 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. In the 5K, prizes are $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place.
Early bird registration rates through Nov. 30, 2023, are $30 for the full and half-marathon courses and $10 for the 5K. Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, registration rates will be $40 for the full marathon and $20 for the 5K. Full marathon participants must be 18 years of age or older. Registration forms are available on the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarians.com/the-marianas-calendar and may be submitted in-person or via email to the MVA offices in Saipan or Rota.
The last day to register is Jan. 12, 2024. Mandatory race packet pickup will be on Jan. 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Rota Round House in Songsong village. On Jan. 13, the full marathon and half-marathon will begin at 4 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 6 a.m.
The road race will begin at Rota Round House and traverse scenic and historic sites on the island. 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 submitted in person at the MVA office in Saipan at 3366 Beach Rd., Suite 101, Garapan or at the MVA field office in Songsong, Rota.
“In partnership with the Rota Mayor’s Office and the people of Rota, we’re looking forward to a great race weekend in January 2024,” said Duenas. “We invite runners to join us in planting the first seeds of a Rota Marathon family that will hopefully become an annual part of the community for years to come.”
Rota is 30 minutes from the capitol island of Saipan via light aircraft.
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Ed Diaz at [email protected] or (670) 664-3200 or MVA Rota Field Operations Supervisor Dave Atalig at [email protected] or (670) 532-0327, or visit www.mymarianas.com/.
