I Chen’chon Bird Sanctuary in Rota, the Marianas. 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) — The first-ever Rota Marathon is gaining speed, with the early bird registration deadline, Nov. 30, rapidly approaching and the local community stepping up with classic Rota hospitality to make the race a memorable one for visitors to the Friendly Island.
Event organizer Marianas Visitors Authority said the Rota leadership and community are working with the state tourism office to make the event a standout on Jan. 13, 2024, in the Marianas. The race will feature a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses in one of the most picturesque islands of the Marianas archipelago.
“This is the first Rota Marathon, and participants can rest assured MVA is bringing its vast experience and expertise with events like Saipan Marathon to make Rota marathon a great experience for everyone,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “And in true island style, the community is coming out to make this a unique and memorable experience for racers, allowing them the chance to connect with both the beautiful nature and wonderful people of Rota.”
Rolling out the welcome mat for runners are Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog, who has pledged the support of the municipal government to assist MVA in staging the event. Rota’s four members in the CNMI Legislature have also signed to man aid stations along the route.
“It’s not every race in the world where you receive a cup of water from a senator or representative, but you may at Rota Marathon,” said Concepcion. “That’s part of the island charm runners can expect on this exquisite race.”
The race falls on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Cash 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.
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/.
