RUNNING for a good cause was an added bonus for Kosuke Sato and Akiko Miller who topped their respective divisions in the inaugural American Red Cross-NMI Chapter’s Run for the Red 5K fundraiser event on Saturday at the Airport Field.
Although Sato had not been in the running scene lately, he still cleared the course with a time of 19:46. Sildrey Veloria shadowed closely behind to take second place with a time of 19:54 while barefoot runner Chong Nam Lee finished third at 22:25.
In the women’s open division, Miller took the spotlight by crossing the finish line with a time of 21:19. She was followed by Tiana Cabrera who came in second with a time of 23:26 while Terra Allen finished third at 24:25.
Sharing the podium finish were the kids and moms who ruled the U12 and stroller divisions.
In the U12 division, Derence Benjamin cleared the 5K course with a time of 27:29 while Ray Patrick McDonald was second at 31:35 and Rafael Ulrich came in third at 37:59.
In the stroller division, Jaymie Kanda took first place, crossing the finish line with a time of 44:01, followed by Erin Kanda at 44:25, Daisy Babauta at 58:06 and Becky Mettao at 58:06.
Over 150 registered for the event which was organized by the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter in partnership with Run Saipan.
The NMI chapter executive director, John Hirsh, praised Run Saipan’s Edward Dela Cruz Jr., Dr. Ron Snyder and Robin Sapong for the success of the event.
“Their whole team really came out in force and helped us set up,” Hirsh added. “Also, a deep appreciation to the Commonwealth Ports Authority for helping us with the traffic control this morning, and everyone who came out.”
Hirsh also thanked Docomo Pacific, the Department of Public Safety and CPA’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit.
“We’re really just thrilled to really be working with Run Saipan,” he added. “Anything that we can do to get people moving and get their hearts going, getting them more physically fit is a great thing for the Red Cross and great for our Commonwealth.”
Participants of the inaugural American Red Cross-NMI Chapter’s Run for the Red 5K fundraiser event poses for a group photo Saturday at the Airport Field.
