FRANK “The Crank” Camacho’s trek around Saipan was a huge success as he not only completed the challenge in under 18 hours, but raised a little over $56,000 for the Commonwealth Cancer Association.
“The trek, in a nutshell, was an adventure!” he told Variety. “This physical, mental, and spiritual challenge is something I’ll take on with my life forever.”
He said the trek, which started on Friday, took a total of 17 hours and 50 minutes to complete.
Camacho said throughout the trek, there were many tough areas that he and his group faced.
“The route, topography and elements made this trek challenging,” he said.
Here are some of the highlights:
The route to Kalabera Cave was muddy, sticky and slippery — it could cause injury while the route from Talofofo hill to Escos “is one of the hardest” Camacho has ever encountered.
At around 1 to 2 a.m., Saturday, Camacho and his group had to deal with 45 minutes of downpour while going down Kagman, soaking their socks and shoes and increasing the amount of blisters on their feet.
At about mile 42 behind the airport passing Obyan beach, Camacho said “everyone was quiet — the sun was beating down at us around 8-9 a.m. Morale was low. But we knew we were almost there.”
Camacho and his group took 10 stops of 10 to 15 minutes each and took a 30-minute rest at Escos after climbing Talofofo hill.
He said what made the trek special was the support from the community. “Seeing the island come together for a great cause was truly amazing to experience,” he added. “People joined us for legs of the route at a time. [Some pushed to see] how far they would go. And the sponsors and water/food stations where there to help us recover and recoup.”
Funds for CCA
Camacho, whose main goal was to support the CCA, said the trek raised over $56,000. Of this amount, $50,000 was donated by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
“Amazing,” Camacho said. “So nice to get the support of everyone and our head of state. It’s so great that he acknowledges the importance of health and wellness in the community. He also knows that the big $50,00 donation will go to a great organization and all their efforts. Humbled and honored!”
Camacho added, “I wanted to do the trek because I don’t think it’s ever been done before. And the crazy physical and mental challenge I would need to overcome would be in line with health, wellness and fitness. When people say ‘That’s a crazy idea’ or ‘that’s impossible’ — I love the challenge. What a perfect way to…raise funds and awareness for such a great organization, the CCA.”
Appreciation
Lastly, Camacho wants to recognize the following:
• Fit to Lead team. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.
• The governor, his office and their resources which made it all possible.
• The CCA team. Bo, Nikki, Viv, and the rest of the CCA board. They were absolutely amazing with everything leading up to the event.
• DFEMS and DPS were the ultra MVPs! It would have been nearly impossible for us to finish on time without their help and guidance. They kept everyone safe and were always checking up on us to see if we were OK.
• Jose and Josh for accompanying me and committing to this crazy idea, lol!
• The crew that stayed all the way from beginning to end. Spartans!
• Everyone that pushed beyond their limit. It was such an inspiration to see people from all walks of life pushing themselves for the cause.
• Everyone who joined in for a 1/2 a mile to 30 miles. That uplifted the spirit of the crew.
• The sponsors and donors. All the water stations and food stations were heartwarming. They saved us by hydrating us and fueling us.
• The media team for following along to help spread the word of the trek.
• My mom and dad for always checking up on us as well.
• My wife for holding down the fort on Guam with my kiddos while I did the trek.
• Everyone beeped, waved, dropped off drinks and ice keke. Lol. “One thing I know for sure is what happened this past weekend: the CNMI won with everyone’s effort and love,” Camacho said.
Frank “The Crank” Camacho greets supporters during his trek around Saipan Friday at the Minachom Atdao.
Frank “The Crank” Camacho poses for a photo with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and other supporters before the start of the Trek Around Saipan for the Commonwealth Cancer Association near PIC on Friday.
