Jason Carman smiles as he finishes first overall in the Triathlon Association of the CNMI’s 8th Aquathlon & 10K Pathway Run in the Kilili Beach Park area on Saturday.
Ann Bang crosses the finish line of the Triathlon Association of the CNMI’s 8th Aquathlon & 10K Pathway Run in the Kilili Beach Park area on Saturday.
JASON Carman and Ann Bang earned the podium finish in their respective divisions of the Triathlon Association of the CNMI’s 8th Aquathlon & 10K Pathway Run on Saturday.
Carman, who was on island for a five-day work-related trip, ruled the 10K distance with ease. The 50-year-old, who is from Eugene, Oregon, claimed first place in the male division with a time of 36:04.
The 10K is a ritual for Carman, who is a regular runner. “Today’s run was great,” he said. “The weather was amazing. If I stayed here for more than five days, I’d probably be a lot better off.”
Carman said he is not used to the humidity, but “I love Saipan — it’s my favorite place, and I’m hoping to come back when possible.”
In second place was Simon Necesito who clocked 51:38, followed by Raymund Tolentino in third with a time of 52:28.
In the female division, Ann Bang was the first to clear the course with a time of 53:33.
Bang, 49, said she runs on the same route — from Kilili Beach Pavilion to Hardt Eye Clinic and back — every day. “I love this course!” she added.
However, it was tough as she also competed in the Happy Hearts 5K run the day before, but with the help of TRAC, she was able to register for the 10K run at the last minute.
“I think the 10K distance is much tougher as you have to keep pace compared to the 5K where you need to run fast,” she added.
In second place in the women’s division was Jessica Ortizo with a time of 56:23 followed by Kathleen Tolentino in third with a time of 58:50.
The rest of the winners in the female division were Jeane Bracken (01:08:34) in the U30 age group, and Pamela Walsh (01:02:41) in the 40-49 age group.
In the male division, Adam Walsh (55:38) led the 30-39 age group, Vhoie Francia (59:37) led the 40-49 age group, and Andrzej Szefler (01:16:52) led the 60-and-over age group.
