CODY Shimizu and Noriko Jim topped their respective 5K divisions of the Saipan Half Marathon on Saturday.
A Marianas High School student, Shimizu secured first place in the men’s division with a time of 00:18:41. The 5K course was from American Memorial Park to the 13 Fishermen Memorial and back.
“It was a hard race, especially with so many people,” Shimizu said. “But it feels good and it brings back memories,” he added.
“The toughest part of the course was the straight line toward the end,” the 15-year-old said.
Shimizu plays for the CNMI National Soccer Team whose members usually take part in local running events.
Coming in second place in the men’s division was Anthony Bergancia who clocked 00:19:10, followed by Zachery Flippin in third place with a time of 00:19:15.
Michael Mancao was fourth with a time of 00:19:46 while Markus Toves came in fifth at 00:19:47.
Avid runner
In the women’s division, avid runner Noriko Jim finished first with a time of 00:21:06.
Jim said she was not ready to take on the 10K or half marathon distance, but was eager to run with the younger participants in the 5K challenge. She took the lead about 22 minutes into the run and never looked back.
In second place in the women’s division was Ayano Braxton who clocked 00:22:49 followed by Allyssya Angeles in third with a time of 00:25:08, Pia Ngewakl in fourth with a time of 00:25:45, and Tamia Hix in fifth with a time of 00:26:32.
A smiling Noriko Jim gestures as she crosses the finish line of the Saipan Half Marathon/5K race Saturday at American Memorial Park.
Cody Shimizu finishes first in the Saipan Half Marathon/5K race Saturday at American Memorial Park.
