(JKPL) — On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in partnership with Run Saipan hosted the 1st Annual Joeten-Kiyu Public Library 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saipan.
Participants ran/walked from the starting line in the JKPL parking lot to Quartermaster Road and then back to the library.
There were two stopping points for refreshments. JKPL’s Technology Mobile Express greeted the runners/walkers at the quarter point at the bus stop near the Shack Saipan, while the Bookmobile greeted the runners/walkers on Quartermaster Road.
“We have been planning this run since December 2021 in celebration of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s 30th anniversary which was on December 19, 2021,” JKPL said.
“Due to the pandemic, we had to reschedule the 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk to spring 2022. It was only fitting to host this event during our National Library Week/School Library Month celebration.
“Team JKPL worked really hard to coordinate these activities for our community. We partnered with all the agencies necessary to carry out this amazing event.
“People visit and use the library for many reasons, and this is just one more way to stay fit, active, and connect with your library.
“We gave the first 75 participants who registered on site a free t-shirt to commemorate this event. Moreover, we held a story walk in the parking lot featuring the local cultural books ‘Hafa Sinentete-Mu’ by Adora Jay San Nicolas and ‘The Stick Dance: A Carolinian Tradition’ by Jude Litulumar. Participants read page by page printed on colorful display panels around the parking lot before the race/walk began.
“Thank you to all our community who came out to show support of our event. There were more than 187 people pre-signed up, and more than 110 showed up on to the 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk event.
“Thank you to our hardworking team Joeten-Kiyu Public and volunteers from the AmeriCorps program and the National Honor Society for your volunteerism!
“Special thank you to the following community partners for your partnership and support in coordinating these efforts: the Department of Public Safety, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Department of Corrections, Joeten Enterprises, the Joeten and Kiyu families, and the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
“Special thank you to our corporate gold sponsor Tan Siu Lin Foundation!
“Special thank you to the planning and organizing team of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and Run Saipan. Thank you Run Saipan President Edward Delacruz Jr. and Treasurer Dr. Ron Snyder for your leadership and professional expertise.
“Thank you to the Office of the Governor and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for launching health initiatives to promote health and wellness in our community!”
The 1st Annual Joeten-Kiyu Public Library 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saipan was held on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
