(MVA) — After a one year hiatus due to Covid-19, Saipan Marathon will return to the Marianas on April 9, 2022, but will feature only a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K.
The Marianas Visitors Authority is working to open online registration for the event via Race Roster within the next two weeks.
“We are excited to announce the return of Saipan Marathon this year, thanks to the gradual reopening of tourism in the Marianas,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla Maratita Iakopo. “Although resources are limited and we will offer only a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K this year, we know both visiting and local athletes have been looking forward to the event, and we are preparing for a small, but solid number of participants. We are working on finalizing all the details so we can open online registration shortly.”
Saipan Marathon is an annual signature of MVA and was last held in March 2020 just before the Marianas began implementing quarantine for people entering the Commonwealth.
This year, awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers for the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. In addition, only the 1st place male and female finishers in their respective age division category will receive an award. There will be no age division category awards for the 5K.
“Northern Marianas Athletics is playing a bigger role than ever in support of the marathon this year, and we couldn’t do it without them,” said Iakopo. “We cannot thank them enough for partnering with us to bring this event back to our Marianas community this year.”
Race packet pick-up will be available on April 8, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a venue to be announced. All participants will receive a finisher’s T-shirt, a certificate of completion via email, and entry to the awards banquet.
The race follows some of Saipan’s most scenic roadways, starting and ending at Micro Beach and American Memorial Park and providing stunning views of the azure blue lagoon along the Beach Rd. The race will be a World Athletics-AIMS Certified Course, as World Athletics has agreed to extend the measurement certificates for another 12 months for the Saipan Half Marathon and 10K. This extension will also apply for the courses if used during the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games in June.
For more information, visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA community projects coordinator Ed Diaz at (670) 664.3210 or [email protected]
The 13th Annual Saipan Marathon was held on March 9, 2019.
