REX Pixley and Tania Tan ruled the inaugural Acha’ikak Kulot 5K color run at Laolao Bay on Saturday.
Starting from the bottom of the bay entrance past the beach, the course took participants through a stretch to the Laolao Bapot latte site and back.
Rex Pixley, covered in colors, led the pack and crossed the finish line first overall with a time of 00:19:44.
In second place was Sildrey Veloria with a finish time of 00:21:21 followed by Heimanarii Lai San who clocked 00:22:16.
In the women’s division, Tania Tan finished first with a time of 00:22:14.
Tiana Cabrera claimed second place at 00:24:56 followed by Rosemarie Chisato in third with a time of 00:25:01.
A total of 166 participants signed up for the race and for its organizer, Rep. Leila Staffler, that was already an accomplishment.
“The turnout of the run was excellent,” she said. “All of the volunteers we needed came earlier and on time. All of the partners who worked on the site in advance, and those who set up the different parts of the course, and those who provided the park and ride option —they all worked like clockwork.”
Staffler said the “runners all got to the starting point on time. We had over 90 people run the race with several people showing up and registering on site. We had over 160 people signed up, but there was a threat of thunderstorm that might have kept people from coming. Luckily, the weather on that side was glorious and gorgeous. We had no rain whatsoever with a beautiful sunrise and clear blue sky.”
Asked if this would become an annual event, she said, “I would really love to make this an annual event, and with the partnerships established from this experience, I know that we can.”
A “big shoutout” goes out to the following partners who have collaborated to make this event possible:
Marianas Visitors Authority
Saipan Mayor’s Office
Department of Public Works
Run Saipan
NMI Athletics
Department of Public Safety
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services
NMTech
San Vicente Elementary School
MHS JROTC
KHS JRTOC
NMC Health Squad
Saipan International School
Rep. Richard Lizama and his staff
Rep. Leila Staffler’s staff
Midpac
Marpac
Rex Pixley poses for a photo after taking first place in the Acha’ikak Kulot 5K color run at Laolao Bay on Saturday.
Tania Tan smiles after claiming first place in the women’s division of the Acha’ikak Kulot 5K color run at Laolao Bay on Saturday.
