PAUL Timm and Denise Myers on Saturday won their respective categories in the 8K open division of Run Saipan’s first Saipan International Airport Trail Run which also served as the CNMI’s cross country championship.
The course stretched around the airport’s Runways 06/07 and 24/25.
In the men’s category, Paul Timm finished first with a time of 36:39:00 followed by Daniel Li in second place (37:11:00) and Sildrey Veloria (37:47:00) in third.
In the women’s category, Denise Myers crossed the finish line first and was third overall with a time of 37:23:00 while Kimberly King-Hinds (40:41:00) and Rosemarie Chisato (43:00:00) came in second and third.
“I love that location,” Myers told Variety. “I’ve actually run it…before. It’s nice and quiet, dog-free, and offers a bit of shade! Plus, the perimeter helps me keep track of how far I have to go still!”
Myers added, “I decided to race because it was the cross-country championship.”
She said the toughest part of the course was the Dandan roadside which was slightly uphill.
“I tried to start comfortably and pick up my pace from there,” she said. “I could see the lead men and was hoping to catch them but I needed a little more speed.”
In the long run, Myers said she executed what she set out to do and gained enough speed to finish third overall and first among women.
Hardcore
According to Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr., “We needed a location that has all the hardcore requirements of a standard cross country course. The airport area gave us exactly just that. I prayed for rain and it was granted. The rain made the course 100% cross country certified.”
Dela Cruz added, “Thanks to the partnership and support of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, we were able to host our cross country championship.”
“It was a great turnout,” he said. “We had almost close to 80 participants. We wanted to really attract senior and veteran runners (age 35 and higher) which we did and they dominated our participation count. It was an excellent turnout because everyone was satisfied and happy and had an amazing time. That is all we care about,” he said, referring to Run Saipan and Northern Marianas Athletics.
Masters division
In the masters division for runners 35 years old and higher, the top runners were:
Men (35-39)
Joshua Castro – 57:59:00
Women (35-39)
1) Terra Allen – 47:17:00
2) Kathy Ruszala – 50:05:00
Women (40-44)
1) Shiela Mabutas – 58:05:00
2) Kathleen Tolentino – 1:01:17
Men (45-49)
1) Rommel Bartolo – 46:09:00
2) Leo Wania – 47:33:00
3) Napoleon Dizon – 49:47:00
Women (45-49)
Ann Bang – 45:28:00
Men (50-54)
1) Matthew Furan – 41:50:00
2) Raymund Tolentino – 46:25:00
3) James Abuy – 50:54:00
Women (50-54)
1) Elizabeth Church – 47:40:00
2) Jessica Ortizo – 48:42:00
3) Maritess Bartolo – 49:11:00
Men (55-59)
1) Ron Snyder – 46:01:00
2) Floro Derexes – 1:01:02
Women (55-59)
Maria Ornes – 1:09:35
Men (60 & Up)
1) Chong Nam Lee – 40:45:00
2) Changwan Jang – 45:04:00
3) Paul Khang – 45:51:00
Women (60 & Up)
Juanita Fajardo 1:10:47
Thank you
Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said “it was…an amazing experience because of how many organizations and people pitched in to make the participants have a beautiful experience. I love team players and companies that support community events especially for health wellness and our elderly. Because of their values, generosity and support they donated spectacular prizes to give incentives for people to come out and be active this morning.”
He added, “The sponsorship of Skydive Saipan, Micronesian Air Cargo, Triple J and Star Marianas Air was instrumental to the success of our first Open & Masters Cross Country Championship. I thank President John Stewart, Paula Stewart & Company, SMA GM Jose Cruz and SMA Board Members, and Triple J for donating their resources. Also, we at Run Saipan and Northern Marianas Athletics are indebted to our partners who supported today’s event. Thank you to the Commonwealth Ports Authority for partnering with us for this event. It will be an annual race here at SIA. Thank you to Atkins Kroll Saipan, Marianas Rugby club and CPA employee volunteers (Admin & ARFF) for providing water and aide stations for our runners. Thank you to the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services for providing security and safety. Thank you to Saipan International School for providing logistical support. Thank you Marianas Variety for covering this story. Thank you to our NMA and Run Saipan volunteer staff for doing the heavy lifting. The teamwork from all this interagency and inter-organization cooperation is the main reason for the runner’s happiness this weekend so thank you all.”
Paul Timm smiles as he finishes first in the 8K open division of the Saipan International Airport Trail Run Saturday on Continental Road near United Air Cargo.
Denise Myers crosses the finish line of the Saipan International Airport Trail Run Saturday on Continental Road near United Air Cargo.
The participants pose for a photo after completing the inaugural Saipan International Airport Trail Run Saturday on Continental Road near United Air Cargo.
