AFTER a two-year hiatus, Run Saipan’s Mind, Body & Sole 5K race returned on Saturday, with Daryll De Luna and An Bang topping their respective divisions.
The free community race is sponsored by the Commonwealth Healthcare Center to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and National Adolescent Health Month.
This year, more than 300 runners of all ages registered for the race. Centered around the theme “Wellness in Action,” the event brought together walkers, joggers, and runners to promote health and well-being across the CNMI.
Leading the pack in the overall male division was Daryll De Luna, who dashed across the finish line with an impressive time of 23:32.96. Close behind was Phillip Joseph Santos, finishing in 23:40.39, while Honofre Tangi rounded out the top three at 24:34.39.
In the overall female division, An Bang blazed her way to the top, finishing in 26:37.96. Close behind were Yuxi Zhang (27:21.16) and Rosemarie Chisato (27:25.74), both running strong, steady races to complete the top three.
The Under-18 runners showed just as much heart and endurance. Grant Li seized first place in the male division with a time of 25:35.27, narrowly edging out Pete Phair (25:36.27), while Napu Pangelinan secured third with a determined sprint, finishing in 26:59.99.
In the Under-18 female division, Richelle Sune stole the show with a graceful and commanding run, finishing in 26:58.37. Maria Enriquez (29:17.03) and Hiyori Okuma (34:26.52) followed closely, completing a trio of inspiring young runners.
Even the littlest participants joined in the fun in the Pram/Stroller category, with Daisy Babauta taking first place in 46:32.55, followed by Ruben Silvestre Jr. (52:30.99) and Michelle Cruz (56:33.17) in second and third place.
Run Saipan would like to thank CHCC for sponsoring the event and trusting Run Saipan for hosting it. All entries were sponsored by CHCC’s Community Guidance Center.
“Thank you, too, to the Department of Public Safety, Northern Marianas Athletics, the Marianas High School National Honor Society volunteers and the race officials.”
Runners take off from the starting point of the Mind, Body and Sole 5K at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Contributed photo
Philip Joseph Santos, Daryll De Luna, and Honofre Tangi pose as the top three finishers in the overall male division of the Mind, Body and Sole 5K at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Rosemarie Chisato, An Bang, and Yuxi Zhang are the top three finishers in the overall female division of the Mind, Body and Sole 5K at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday.
Daisy Babauta leads the PRAM/Stroller category.
