Run Saipan Vice President Jenna Kong, left, and President Edward Dela Cruz Jr., center, receive a ceremonial check for $5,000 from Atkins Kroll Sales Manager Kevin Barnes, right, in the Atkins Kroll showroom on Thursday. AK is the title sponsor of the 2nd Annual 2023 Run Saipan Holiday Half Marathon and AK 5K Fun Run set for Saturday, Dec. 9.
FOR the second consecutive year, Atkins Kroll will be the title sponsor of the Run Saipan Holiday Half Marathon and AK 5K Fun Run.
On Thursday, in the AK showroom, Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. and Vice President Jenna Kong received AK’s $5,000 donation for the event, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9.
“This solidifies our partnership to bring one of the most high-quality competitive road races in the Marianas,” Dela Cruz said. “We are taking a stand for health and wellness in the Marianas — especially during the holiday season. But we wouldn’t be able to bring one of the best races the Marianas has seen without AK.”
“Big thanks to AK,” Kong said. “We hope to have a continuing partnership with AK in the future.”
Barnes said, “We are receiving a lot of thank you’s, but it should be the other way around. Run Saipan does amazing things for the community in a positive way. We really appreciate the opportunity to work with you and give back to the community.” Barnes added, “It’s important to focus on your physical and mental well-being so we are honored to continue our relationship with you.”
The partnership with Run Saipan started last year as AK celebrated its 55th year on the island.
“We look forward to seeing everybody out there,” Barnes said. “We’d love for everyone to be a part of this with us — this year, next year, and for many years to come.”
Race course
Because of the ongoing road construction, this year’s race course will start and end at Micro Beach with the turnaround point at the softball field in Marp.
“Ugly Christmas sweater t-shirts” will be given out to every person who registers for the half marathon.
The awards banquet will be held at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a raffle draw, but one must be present to win.
Dela Cruz noted that the Hell of the Marianas will be held this Saturday, Dec. 2, a week before Run Saipan’s event.
“We all know that the Hell of Marianas is a staple event, and 100KM is no joke. So if some of them still have the strength to run [on Dec. 9] more kudos to them, but right now, we are expecting a little lower number than last year due to all these events.”
