(MVA) — 303 runners crossed the finish line of Saipan Marathon 2022 on April 9, 2022, successfully navigating their respective half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses.
The original 327 registrants included 304 from the Marianas, 15 from U.S.A., 4 from Guam, and 2 from South Korea, plus two more. The breakdown by race are 86 individuals for the half-marathon, 122 for the l0K, and 119 for the 5K. It was an overwhelming young roster, with 13-17 being the largest age category.
The annual race is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in partnership this year with Northern Marianas Athletics.
“Saipan Marathon 2022 was a great success, and we congratulate all the winners and thank all our sponsors and supporters, especially Northern Marianas Athletics,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “The local runners absolutely enjoyed the challenge, and it was especially exciting to see so many young people participate. As tourism continues to recover from Covid we look forward to an even larger crowd next year.”
Based on official results released by Northern Marianas Athletics on April 11, topping the half-marathon Men’s Division were Ryan Matienzo of Guam in 1:19:01, while the Women’s Division was led by Lilian Muldoon who clocked 1 :35: 15.
In the 10K, perennial placer Keith Longuski of Northern Marianas placed first in 40:06, while Kaithlyn Chavez of the Northern Marianas led the Women’s Division in 46:54.
In the 5K, the Men’s Division was led by Cody Shimizu of Northern Marianas in 18:41, while Noriko Jim of Northern Marianas finished in 21:06 to lead the Women’s Division. Over $6,500 in cash prizes were awarded. Age division medals were also awarded.
A technical correction was made to initial timing results to correct place finishes.
Saipan Marathon returned this year after a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic. 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. All participants received a finisher’s T-shirt, a certificate of completion via email, and entry to the awards banquet at Aqua Resort Club.
The event was sponsored by Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. In-kind contributors are Century Hotel, Serenity Hotel, Aqua Resort Club Saipan and Kinpachi Restaurant. Aid stations will be provided by Saipan World Resort, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Triathlon Association of the CNMI, IT&E, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan. Supporters included the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, American Memorial Park, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Parks & Recreation, Marianas Health Services and Run Saipan Run.
The race was 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.
For more information about upcoming MVA signature events, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or at facebook.com/VisitTheMarianas
The 10K course of Saipan Marathon 2022 commences on April 9, 2022. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority welcomed 303 runners for half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses in 2022.
Anthony Bergancia of Northern Marianas crosses the finish line to win second place in the Men’s Division of the 5K course of Saipan Marathon 2022 on April 9, 2022.
Yidan Zheng, left, and Esther Jingui Zhou tackle the 5K course in the Saipan Marathon on April 9, 2022.
Husband and wife team Eric and Sharon Abragan enjoy the 10K course in the Saipan Marathon on April 9, 2022.
Stock photo shows scenic and historic sites on Saipan.
Volunteers at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan aid station cheer on Carlos Aguilar of Northern Marianas and other participants of Saipan Marianas 2022 on April 9, 2022.
Top 10K finishers in Saipan Marathon 2022, Keith Longuski, second, left, and Kaithlyn Chavez, second right, receive their awards with other top finishers on April 9, 2022, at the event awards ceremony at Aqua Resort Saipan. Also pictured are Northern Marianas Athletics General Secretary Robin Sapong-Eugenio, left, and Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Priscilla M. lakopo, right.
