Some of the visiting triathletes who joined Saipan’s major events—many of them have done for many consecutive years—have spent more days to enjoy the islands tourist spots.
Most of them especially those who are preparing for triathlons back home were appreciative for having the opportunity to flex their muscles in a beautiful island.
The XTERRA Saipan Championships and Tagaman Triathlon, according to Marianas Visitors Authority were bookends on a week of competition, XTERRA university workshops, and festivities on these tropical islands in the western Pacific.
The competitors included 30 XTERRA athletes and 20 Tagaman triathletes from Japan.
Other participants were from Guam, Korea, Australia, the United States, and Switzerland, the MVA statement said.
“Many of the pros vowed to come back next year and bring at least five of their friends,” said Wolf Mojica event organizer of TAGA, Inc.
“The execution of both events was almost flawless,” he added.
The two events had 254 total participants, 43 more than in 2008.
Sam Gardner of the United Kingdom and Renata Bucher from Switzerland took the top spots in XTERRA, which had 134 total participants, including 63 individual finishers and six teams. The shorter XTERRA Sport had 7 individual finishers and three teams. Thirty-seven runners joined the XTERRA Sunset Trail Run. The Tagaman has 51 individual finishers, 19 teams, and 18 children participating in the TagaKids.
“Saipan Sportsfest is attractive for competitors of all strengths and ages,” MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said.
“It’s for professionals, serious competitors, and those out for a healthy 5K or 10K run. With the inclusion of children races, Sportsfest also makes a perfect vacation for the sports-minded family,” he added.
2010 will mark the 9th XTERRA and 21st Tagaman triathlon in Saipan.
“Now that you’ve heard of it, you can mark your calendar for Saipan Sportsfest 2010: XTERRA Saipan Championships on March 13 and Tagaman on March 20,” the MVA said.
