(MVA) — 459 participants turned out early Saturday morning on May 14 in Saipan to show support at the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run, which was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in collaboration with the Office of the Governor.
The top three overall finishers for both male and female categories received cash prizes of $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. Topping the male category were Dev Bachani (18:27.39), edging out Keith Longuski (18:27.98) and followed by Kosuke Sato (19:00.51). Frontrunners in the female category were Akiko Miller (20:37.07), who came down to the wire with Denis Myers (20:38.72), with Kathlyn Chavez in third (27:39.13).
The Best Tourist Costume prize was awarded to Shaina Chisato and Brennan Chisato, dressed as a tourist family with valid passports. In second place was “tourist boy” Danny Cheng, and third place was Mustang rental car Julie Hall. The winners were awarded $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place.
“On behalf of MVA and our tourism partners, we extend a huge si Yu’us ma’ase and ghilisou to everyone who came out to show support for the industry at Saturday’s Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo.
“Tourism creates jobs, allows businesses and the government to generate revenue, and creates numerous other opportunities that make our islands a better place to visit and do business. It’s encouraging to see some many people tum out to celebrate Tourism Month and all it means to our community.”
The fun run was also supported by Run Saipan, Tan Sui Lin Foundation, Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Tan Holdings Corp., Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Lands, Department of Lands & Natural Resources, Adztech, D&Q, Pho Tam, Island Cafe, Roil Soil, E-Land Group (Kensington Hotel Saipan, PIC Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort), Helios Engineering Group, United Filipino Organization, Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, Saipan Maga’Haga Lady Eagles Club, Bicol Association, Chamorro Island Foods, Garapan Farmers Market, The Shack, Latte Built, Puerto Rico Bento, Northern Marianas Athletics, and FitBeat.
The fun run started at Garapan Fishing Base and followed the Saipan Beach Road Pathway to the Japanese tank at Quartermaster Rd. intersection and back. The first wave of runners started at 6:30 a.m. and the second wave at 7 a.m. Each participant also received a raffle ticket for a chance to win various prizes. The first 300 participants on site also received a “CNMI Tourism Month/Fit to Lead” t-shirt.
Race proceeds will benefit the Diabetes Coalition and Run Saipan.
Logo contest
MVA is also holding a student logo contest, and entries must be submitted with a parental consent form by 5 p.m. on May 23, 2022. Students in grades 9-12 are asked to incorporate the slogans “Marianas Tourism Month” and “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” in their vision of the future of travel. Prizes are: $500 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. Rules and Parental Release Forms are downloadable under Featured Events at www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianas or at www.mymarianas.com
Trivia questions
The public also has the chance to win Tourism Month t-shirts and gift cards by correctly answering tourism-related trivia questions on radio stations Power 99 (97.5 FM) and KCNM-KZMI (103.9 FM) and cable station KSPN2.
Cleanup, Rota, Tinian
The general public is invited to join the Tourism Month Cleanup on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Marpi. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at the Last Command Post in Marpi.
On Rota, students will have a painting workshop on May 21 to learn various painting techniques and will then have the opportunity to win cash prizes for painting tourist attractions.
Students of Dr. Rita Inos Jr./Sr. High School will receive a guided tour of historic sites on May 27.
A two-day cleanup of major historical sites will be held on Tinian. Tinian youth, tour guides, and industry frontline workers will be a Tourist for a Day on May 25 & 27, receiving a guided tour of the island to learn more about Tinian’s tourist attractions. A photo contest highlighting the island’s natural, historical and cultural attractions is also being held.
For more information, call MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at (670) 664-3200/1 or email communityprojects@mymarianas.com
Participants start the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on May 14, 2022, in Garapan, Saipan. The event was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in collaboration with the Office of the Governor.
A total of 459 participants join the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on May 14, 2022 in Garapan, Saipan.
Dev Bachani, left, edges out Keith Longuski to finish 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the male category of the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on May 14, 2022, in Garapan, Saipan.
Brennan Chisato, left, and Shaina Chisato, second right, win 1st place in the Best Tourist Costume Contest during the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on May 14, 2022 in Garapan, Saipan.
Denis Meyers, center, is awarded 2nd place in the women’s category of the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on May 14, 2022 in Garapan, Saipan. From left, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Priscilla M. lakopo, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Meyers, first lady Diann Torres, and Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz.
