But on March 5, the quiet 13-mile island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands was bustling with hundreds of runners who sought out this island resort destination to join the 6th Saipan Marathon – the fastest growing running event in what some have called “America’s best kept secret.”
Over 800 runners – 200 hundred more than last year – registered to traverse a picturesque roadway course through tropical greenery, alongside a turquoise lagoon, and through the island’s tourist district, where name brand hotels and restaurants are framed by palm trees and white sand beaches.
This year’s marathon, along with its concurrent half-marathon and 10-kilometer races – was part of the prestigious Japan Earth Marathon series. With the endorsement of popular Japanese comedian Hazama Kanpei and other celebrities, the event attracted 707 Japanese this year. Via direct flight, the NMI is three-hours away from Japan and Korea. Runners from Canada, Hawaii, and Guam also joined a field of NMI-based runners for the event.
Top male finishers in the full marathon were all from Japan: Satoshi Emoto (2:44:52), Hidekatsu Kuroda (2:51:39), and Kentaro Uno (3:02:12). The females’ division included: Noriko Hirao (3:14:09), Mamiko Berger of the NMI (3:16:28), and Yukiko Sugiyama (3:40:04).
The NMI’s very own Michael Guitan came in first (1:20:18) for the half marathon, followed by Kazuharu Muto (1:26:34) of Japan, and Rico Flores (1:28:17). Leading the ladies were Amber Sarkkinen (1:43:57), also from the NMI, followed by Sayuri Yuyama (1:45:33) and Kazumi Suzuki (1:53:17) – both from Japan.
The 10K men’s pack was led by Takeshi Aoyama (36:36), Papu Castro (37:15), and Tsubasa Ito (37:23). The first women to finish were Noriko
Jim (43:43) and Akiko Miller (48:27), followed by Kazuyo Itagaki (48:40).
Joining the Marianas Visitors Authority as this year’s major sponsors were: New Balance, Toyota, JT, Scalp D, ToyoRice, Delta Airlines, Leo Palace 21, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, DFS Galleria, Northern Mariana Athletics, and Island Apparel.
Supporters were: Division of Parks and Recreation, Commonwealth Health Center Volunteers Association, Department of Public Safety Traffic Section/Emergency Medical Services, Hawaiian Rock Products, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Department of Public Works, Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, and KKMP Radio Station.
Aid Stations were manned by: HANMI, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Saipan Grand Hotel, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Coral Ocean Point Resort, Aqua Resort Club, IT&E, NMA, Marianas Resort and Spa, Pacific Development Inc., Tasi Tours, Saipan Grand Hotel, Saipan World Resort, and Hafadai Beach Hotel.
In-kind contributors were: Nippon Travel Agency, Century Hotel, Marianas Resort and Spa, Tasi Tours, Saipan Sea Ventures, Nippon General Trading (Country House/Moby Dick/Wild West), Kinpachi Restaurant, Aqua Resort Club, Island Rent A Car, Saipan Grand Hotel, National Office Supply, Saipan Sunset Cruise, Saipan World Resort, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Kingfisher Golf Links, Natural Germanium Water from Rota, Herman’s Modern Bakery, and Detry Pumping Service.
Participating vendors were: Tony Romas and Capricciosa Restaurant, Hula Girl Inc., Country House, Kinpachi Restaurant, E’s Kitchen, Torihide, Umibozu, Breast Cancer Nurse from Japan/Commonwealth Cancer Association, Johnny’s Bar and Grill, Moby Dick, Japan-Saipan Travel Association, and Shimanokura.
This month also includes the Saipan XTERRA Championship, which commenced last Saturday, and the Tagaman triathlon set for March 19.
