THE first-ever Acha’ikak Kulot 5K will be held this Saturday at Laolao Bay.
It will be a “color run with a view” as it highlights scenic Laolao Bay. The course will begin at the bottom of the bay entrance past the beach and then to the Laolao Bapot latte site and back to the starting point for a total of 3.12 miles or 5 kilometers.
Although parking will not be available on the trail or course site, it will be available at the San Vicente Elementary School field. There will be a shuttle service from 5 a.m. until 5:45 a.m. to transport participants to the starting location.
In addition, runners will be hit with colors throughout the scenic course and get free shirts courtesy of Reps. Leila Staffler and Richard Lizama.
“The purpose of this event is to provide the people of Saipan and greater Marianas an opportunity to run in an area of Precinct 5,”
Staffler said. “We wanted to show the people the beauty of our precinct and provide an outlet for healthy activity.”
She added, “I chose to do a run because I have personally gotten involved with running or walking for my health. It’s really an easy way to get out and do something.”
She said she chose a color run in particular “because who does not like a color run?”
“It’s more fun and engaging and I wanted to encourage the youth and others who aren’t running enthusiasts,” she said.
Staffler has already hosted a successful basketball tournament.
She said with a running event “you get more participants because there are more people that can join unlike other sports where participation is limited.”
She said she is “worried about the health of our community and want them to have more opportunities to do healthy things like a run such as this. I want to promote health and healthy activities for our people.”
The 5K race is sanctioned by the Northern Marianas Athletics with Run Saipan providing assistance.
Leila Staffler
