THE Northern Marianas Athletics’ Annual Christmas Island Relay will be held this Saturday, Dec. 18, starting at 6 a.m. from the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio to the Last Command Post in Marpi, a distance of 13.7 miles.
On race day, only a team’s first runner will be allowed to be at the start line while the rest of the team will join later throughout the designated exchange zones with no physical tags required. Each team must provide their own support vehicle and water.
The race categories are Open Mixed and Youth Mixed (16 and under). Each team will have five runners who will individually alternate through one-mile stages from start to finish.
There will be a maximum of 20 team slots, and runners under 18 years of age must obtain parental/guardian approval to participate.
A race fee of $20 per team is required and this includes an online processing fee and a raffle for a chance to win $500 cash or a gift certificate which is the event’s new feature this year.
In addition, there will be Men’s and Women’s divisions that will be held virtually. Solo runners may join on the same day with a virtual start of 5:30 a.m.
NMA likewise added a 1-mile virtual run for individuals who may not be able to participate on race day.
In an interview, NMA secretary general Robin Sapong said despite the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases on island, he expects a good turnout.
“Within minutes of opening the registration, five teams have already secured their slots,” he said.
NMA will enforce safety protocols, he added. “The safety and well-being of our runners and volunteers are our top priorities, so it’s important we follow our road safety protocol which has been approved by the Covid-19 Task Force,” Sapong said.
“We try to inspire as many people as possible to get moving to help contribute to uplifting the world through sports. In this case, we’re also promoting a social-distance activity for a fitter community.”
This year, all proceeds of the race will go to a local charity.
More details are available at https://raceroster.com/events/2021/55739/annual-christmas-island-relay?fbclid=IwAR2xALOZ8U4KJHULm4crWp96CQmRKKeT1urRXFVj5xwhVyHYC72VPgg_HtI
Members of Team Agape “A” jump in celebration after taking first place in the open mixed division of last year’s Christmas Island Relay at the Last Command Post in Marpi.
