Hundreds of Japanese nationals have already registered through a Japanese online site, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority. The race’s early bird registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 10, with the final deadline on Feb. 18.
“We are pleased with the growth of the marathon this year and have already surpassed the number of registrants we had last year,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas. “We are planning for at least 800 total registrants and encourage everyone to take advantage of the early bird registration deadline on Feb. 10.”
Featuring a full marathon (26.2 miles/42.195 kilometers), a half marathon (13.1 mi/21.1 km) and a 10K (6.2 miles) race, the Saipan Marathon attracted nearly 600 participants from Japan, Korea, Guam, and the CNMI this year.
Set on the tropical island of Saipan, the course runs adjacent to the lagoon, along quiet roads in the lush northern part of the island, and through the island’s major tourism district. The course – offering runners a full view of the ocean – is similar to the Honolulu Marathon. This year’s race has become part of the Japan-based Earth Marathon series.
First through sixth place awards will be given to males and females in all three races. Awards will be given to the top males and females in the 14-and-under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-and-above age categories.
Entrance fee for the full marathon is $100 International/US/Guam and $55 CNMI. Entrance fees for the half marathon and 10K is $70 International/US/Guam and $45 CNMI. Contestants who sign up before 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 avoid a late fee of $10. The final day for all registrations is Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. A valid CNMI driver’s license or ID is required for proof of residency. Registration forms may be submitted to the MVA office.
Orientation and race packet pickups are mandatory and will be held on March 4 at American Memorial Park. Japanese orientation will be at 4 p.m. and English orientation at 4:30 p.m.
Start time on race day is 4:30 a.m. for the marathon, 5:45 a.m. for the half-marathon, and 6 a.m. for the 10K. The course will commence and end at American Memorial Park.
Entrance fee includes a carbo-loading spaghetti dinner on March 4, free entrance to the awards dinner, finisher’s t-shirt, and certificate of completion.
For more information, visit the MVA website at www.mymarianas.com, or contact Ed Diaz at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected]. Japanese participants should register via Run Net at http://runnet.jp/.
The Saipan Marathon is sponsored by the MVA and its members – the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Northern Mariana Islands Track and Field Federation, and DFS Saipan.
