The 9th Annual Don’t Be a Turkey Walk is held each year on a Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, Marianas Walking Association secretary Mario Espeleta said yesterday.
The Marianas Walking Association, formerly the Saipan Walking Association conceptualized the program to promote health in the community.
The program, Espeleta said, is supported by government agencies and different private organizations.
He said each year, their group has been providing tents, tables, chairs and course aid stations located at each turning points.
Participants must register in the Garapan basketball court parking lot from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday.
“We have a 10K course with the turning point located at the bus stop near the Oleai Beach and Bar Grill Restaurant while the short course turning point is located at the old World War II Japanese tank,” Espeleta said.
Drinks and fruits will be provided to the participants and the event is open to the general public and to tourists.
Before the start of the walk, nursing volunteers from Northern Marianas College will conduct free blood sugar and blood pressure tests.
Espeleta said they are expecting more participants in this year’s event which will include students from the different schools on Saipan.
Mobil Oil Marianas is this year’s major sponsor.
The event is spearheaded by the Marianas Visitors Authority, Ayuda Network Inc., Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition and Marianas High School.
For more information, call Mario at 322-8786, Hiroko at 322-8781, or Bea at 285-1694.
