The half marathon and fun run is coordinated Brad Ruszala, who has prepared the adventurous routes that runners will be facing.
Like last year, participants will be registering on the day of the event, where they will be required to fill out a waiver form. Registration will start at 5:15 am – the half marathon will start at 6 am, while the fun run will start at 7 am.
Runners for the off-road half marathon will be taking off from the Banzai Cliff area, where they will be running down coral roads passing through the Far East Broadcasting Company site, Marianas Resort Golf Course, Kalabera Cave, and the Bird Island overlook.
Like the half marathon, short course runners will also be passing by the Last Japanese Command Post. Ruszala stated that they will take a detour leading towards the Cowtown Raceway, where they will join the half marathon racers in a final one and a half mile trail leading back to the finish line at Banzai Cliff.
Before the race, contestants will be paying an entry fee of $20. Proceeds will be sent to the Independent Football Club, a non-profit organization that helps young football enthusiasts on island.
According to Brad Ruszala, players and coaches from the IFC will be present at the half marathon and fun run event as volunteers.
Ruszala couldn’t believe that it has already been five years since he started the first half marathon event. He noted that “nobody will go empty handed,” thanks to donations received from the community. He expects 40 to 65 participants, but really hopes to pass the 100 mark this year.
The trail was designed to showcase the island’s beauty to those who watch or take part in the half marathon and fun run events. Ruszala hopes that the trail would give a real adventure and challenge to all runners.
Prizes will be given to the top three winners from the men and women’s division in both the half marathon and fun run race.
