(MVA) — Beauty. Enthusiasm. A great race. These are just some of the words being used by participants to describe the first-ever Rota Marathon held on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Eighty-three registrants signed up for the inaugural race, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority. In line with Rota’s reputation as “Nature’s Treasure Island,” the event was marked by a tree planting ceremony at sunset on Friday, Jan. 12, before kicking off in the dark of morning at 4 a.m. on Saturday.
Registrants from Russia, the U.S., Japan, Guam, and the Northern Marianas signed up for the event. Among them was President Kiyokazu Onishi of KFC Triathlon Club of Japan — a long time partner of the Marianas Visitors Authority in organizing sporting events in the Marianas and a Marianas Honorary Tourism Ambassador.
“The Rota Marathon was my first marathon race in 10 years. I had a great time,” Onishi said, who was joined in his visit by several other Rota-enthusiast friends. “Thanks for a great race.”
The marathon, half-marathon, and 5K course wound their way through the lush forests and along the scenic coast of Rota, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and warm people.
“Our first Rota Marathon surpassed our expectations. From registration numbers to the community’s enthusiasm and participation, it was an all-round success,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We see good momentum for Rota Marathon to become an annual signature event for the Marianas Visitors Authority and return next January.”
Topping the full marathon was 71-year-old Chang Whan Jang (5:31:47) of Saipan, who ran the 26.2 miles barefoot. The lone female taking on the full marathon was Roxanne Soriano (5:50:44), who was supported by other race friends running alongside her for morale support in the homestretch. The final registrant for the marathon course, Genero Mejia Jr. completed the course in 7:08:56.
First in the half-marathon men’s division was Dominic Kieffer (2:04:28), followed by Scott Smith (2:07:57) and Daniel Depolog (2:21:10). Leading the women’s in the half-marathon were Tammy Ackerman (2:10:46), Julia Mast (2:11:35), and Sarah Faegre (2:47:07).
Most contenders opted for the 5K route, with top finishers being Andrei Chavez (00:22:24), Megumie Takaku Shimada (00:27:25), and Aubrey White (00:28:54). In the men’s division Elphrain Taimanao Jr. (00:25:07) finished first, followed by Peter John White (00:25:27) and Jun Shimada (00:27:19).
Catherine Attao helped organize a contingent of 21 runners — including herself — from the Kanoa Football Club Women’s team under the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association.
“(We) participated in the Rota Marathon as a team builder to kick off our 2024. Our overall experience is priceless,” said Attao. “The beauty that the island holds, the hospitality that we received is truly one of a kind. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel to Rota to participate in the first ever Rota Marathon. It was well coordinated from the registration to the race banquet. It was a wonderful experience! Rota is indeed the friendliest island.”
Event sponsors were Valentino Hotel, Ambros, and Star Marianas. The Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and the Rota Legislative Delegation — Senate Vice President Donald Manglona, Sen. Paul Manglona, Sen. Dennis Mendiola, and Rep. Julie Ogo — strongly supported the event, said Concepcion. Other supporters were the offices of Gov. Arnold Palacios and Lt. Gov. David Apatang, MY WAVE Club, Sasanhaya Service Station, and the Rota Municipal Council.
Concepcion also recognized the MVA Rota team of David Atalig, Alfred Maratita, Dre Manglona, Jovito Reyes.
“The teamwork was incredible,” said Concepcion. “Air service for the event was a factor, and we thank Star Marianas for their strong support in offering charter services, providing passengers a refund on their race registration fees upon proof of payment, and doubling that upon proof of race completion. It was a positive contribution to incentivizing travel to Rota.”
Rota is 30 minutes from Saipan via light aircraft. Concepcion said MVA has also reached out to Star Marianas to request the addition of extra flights. The airline also offers charter flights.
The Marianas Visitors Authority’s next sporting event will be Saipan Marathon on March 9, 2024, featuring a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K.
For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com/.
Mark Charfauros takes on the 5K course with Wedding Cake Mountain in the background at Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024. The marathon was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority.
From left, Dominic Kieffer, Tammy Ackerman, and Scott Smith celebrate their winning half- marathon finishes at Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024. The trio won 1st place men’s division, 1st place women’s division, and 2nd place men’s division, respectively.
Roxanne Soriano of Saipan takes in the view of Alaguan Bay at Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024.
Marquit Chavez and Jane Malabanan of Saipan pass along a quiet and picturesque road during Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024.
Chang Whan Jang heads into the homestretch of Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024. At age 71, Jang finished first in the full marathon course, completing the 26.2 miles barefoot.
Genero Mejia Jr. approaches the full marathon turnaround during Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024. Mejia finished 3rd among a small pool of registrants for the course.
Catherine Attao, second right, and other runners from the Kanoa Football Club Women’s team under the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association commemorate their finish with a photo at Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024.
Top finishers in the 5K of Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024 are recognized at the awards banquet in Songsong, Rota. From left, Elphrain Taimanao Jr. (1st place) and Peter John White (2nd place) of the men’s division and Megumi Takaku Shimada (2nd place), Andrei Chavez (1st place), and Aubrey White (3rd place) of the women’s division. Not pictured is men’s 3rd place finisher Jun Shimada.
An island feast is served at the awards banquet of Rota Marathon 2024 on Jan. 13, 2024.
