AFTER a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist School held the 12th edition of its annual 5K Hope Run on Sunday with a total of 109 participants.
Winning the race was James Abuy who reached the finish line at the Civic Center basketball court with a time of 23:59.
Coming in second was Pomy Yang who clocked 24:02 while Taiga Namai-Scoggins claimed third place with a time of 25:00.
The rest of the top 10 were Simon Necesito (25:24), Vhoie Francia (25:40), Eric Mahinay (27:02), Frank Diesta (29:28), Nelson Alliovida (30:46), Jiang Long Su (32:09), and Thai Nguyen (32:21).
In the U14 division, Taiga Namai-Scoggins, who was third overall, finished first (25:00). Jason Sablan was second with a time of 33:35, Enoch Song was third (33:43); Hao Yang Song was fourth (33:57); Orica George was fifth (34:29); and Sonjihoo Hwang was sixth (35:12).
“We are happy with the turnout —it exceeded our expectations,” said SDA office manager/accountant and event organizer Virle Shay P. Gayatin.
“Since it was the first time we’re holding the run after three years, I didn’t really expect many runners, but surprisingly, we even exceeded the number of runners in our last Hope Run event in 2019,” she added.
The proceeds will go to the Hope Run Scholarship Fund which provides tuition aid to students with financial needs.
This year’s event sponsors are the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist Clinic, Joy FM 89.9, Coca-Cola, Foremost, McDonald’s, AB Risk Solutions, Goris Missions, Kensington Hotel Saipan, J.C. Tenorio Ent., Marpac, Café Mango Six, National Office Supply, PHI Pharmacy, Ace Hardware, Herman’s Bakery, LSG Sky Chefs, Hardt Eye Clinic, The Water Company, Lollipops and Transamerica.
The top male and female runners for each category
Ages 6 & Below
Rufin Joaquin Inos
Janiah Sanchez
Ages 7 – 10
Shane Mabutas
Melisa Namai-Scoggins
Ages 11 – 14
Taiga Namai-Scoggins
Orica George
Ages 15 – 19
Pomy Yang
Kyle DIesta
Ages 20 – 29
Simon Necesito,
Sheila Awitan
Ages 30 – 39
Long Jiang Su
Kris Romero
Ages 40 – 49
Vhoie Francia
Sheila Mabutas
Ages 50 – 59
James Abuy
Eva Awitan
Ages 60 & above
Frank Diesta
Arpa Anugera
The top 10 runners pose for a photo after completing the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist School 5K Hope Run at the Civic Center on Sunday.
A young participant heads to the finish line at the Civic Center during the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist School 5K Hope Run on Sunday.
