RUN Saipan’s Mangrove 5K race this year is set for June 4, Saturday, at 6 a.m.
The route will remain the same, but there is a slight change with the starting point, Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said.
“The only change is the start line,” he added. “We used to start the race right where the entrance to the U.S. Army Exchange is. Because we expect more runners this year than last year, we pushed the starting line toward the Inos Peace Park.”
He added, “We are starting the race on the first level of the peace park so we have more space for the runners.”
The turnaround point, which used to be the Micro Beach pavilion, will be pushed back as well.
The Pacific Mini Games 2022 will be held in the CNMI two weeks after the Mangrove 5K race, but Dela Cruz believes it will not affect the number of race participants.
“But some of our athletes are participating in the Oceania Athletics Championships in June, and they will be off island along with national coach Dr Ron Snyder and [Oceania Athletics Association] President Robin Sapong. We wish them the best in Australia and good luck!” Dela Cruz said.
Mangrove awareness
The Mangrove 5K race location was chosen to help build awareness about the key role played by mangroves in protecting the shorelines from damaging winds, waves, and floods.
Run Saipan members pose for a photo after completing last year’s inaugural Mangrove 5K Run.
