MICHAEL Denevan and Lily Muldoon dominated their respective divisions of the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K ‘23 on Friday at the Garapan Fishing Base.
Denevan and Muldoon have always challenged each other in a race, and this time, it was Denevan who finished first overall, clocking 20:48.
“I really enjoyed the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K race!” he said. “Run Saipan did an amazing job organizing, as always, and it was great to see so many CHCC staff come out and participate.”
Denevan added, “The run itself was really fun. Dr. Lily Muldoon was close behind me until the turnaround [at the Quartermaster intersection] when I was finally able to get some separation while she was focused on cheering for the other runners.”
Muldoon finished second overall and first in her division with a time of 21:31.
“I could tell by [Michael’s] body language at the start line that [he] was going to be racing me today and was out to win it. He kept a fast pace and, at the turnaround point, I knew I didn’t have what it would take today to keep up with him. Big congrats to Michael Denevan! I’m always happy when he decides to get out and run.”
A doctor at CHCC, Muldoon was happy with the event turnout. “We had many representatives from CHCC out running and walking, including people across departments and specialties. These races provide an important way to connect with colleagues and get to know one another outside of the workplace. I highly encourage employers to organize fun runs and walks with their staff and families. These events build connection while promoting activity and exercise. Friday evening on Beach Road with the sun setting over the ocean is invigorating and a great way to start the weekend,” she said.
The rest of the top three in the men’s division were Greg Trusso, who finished second, with a time of 21:58 and Chad Taflinger who came in third, 22:12.
In the women’s division, Addalee Taflinger clinched second place with a time of 25:19, edging Rosemarie Chisato by a second, 25:20.
Jenna Kong, Run Saipan vice president and chair of the CHCC Sunshine Squad, said: “This is the second year we have organized this event to show the hospital staff’s support for raising cardiovascular health awareness, and we hope to make this an annual thing with Run Saipan.”
Kong added, “I’m really happy with the increase in the turnout this year, with over 160 signing up compared to 100 last year so hopefully it will keep on growing.”
With the funds raised through the Happy Hearts 5K event, the CHCC Sunshine Squad donated $1,000 to Run Saipan.
Michael Denevan and Lily Muldoon strike a pose as the top finishers of the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K ’23 at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Michael Denevan reaches the finish line of the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K ’23 at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Lily Muldoon at the finish line of the CHCC Happy Hearts 5K ’23 at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Jenna Kong, Run Saipan vice president and chair of the CHCC Sunshine Squad, with Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr., center, and Secretary & Treasurer Dr. Ron Snyder. The CNMI Sunshine Squad donated $1,000 to Run Saipan.
