Citing that the early registration is standard for this type of international event, it is necessary to allow ample time for thorough planning and preparation, since Saipan marathon becomes popular and the number of participants continues to grow.
Registration goes on MVA office on Beach Road and is is open until 5 p.m. on Thursday.
The first big March race in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Saipan Marathon will be held on March 6.
The island’s important sports event includes a full marathon which stretches to 26.2 miles of 42.195Km, a half marathon for 13.1 miles or 21.1K and a fun run of 10 km or 6.2 miles.
Each run includes seven age divisions: 14 and under, 15- 19, 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50 – 59; 60 and up. The top male and top female finisher in the marathon only (not half marathon or 10K fun run) will each receive $1,000.
Entrance fee for the full marathon is $65.00, with $55.00 for the half marathon and fun run. The increase from last year’s entrance fees is necessitated by additional costs, including the preceding carbo dinner and electronic timing to assure accurate race times.
Last year, over 600 runners from Japan, Korea, Guam and the CNMI joined in this event. MVA estimates that total participation this year will top 1,000.
To date, over 400 Japanese runners have registered for the race. Mari Ozaki, a popular runner in Japan who has been invited to attend the London Marathon, will be running in the half-marathon event here. The Saipan Marathon is positioning itself to become one of the top three overseas marathons for Japanese runners along with the Honolulu Marathon and Hong Kong Marathon.
MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio is looking forward to this year’s event. “This race brings many world-class runners to the NMI. The Saipan Marathon is a real win-win – it’s a wonderful race course for the runners, and it exposes the runners and their families to the beauties and attractions of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
For more information about the Saipan Marathon, please contact MVA’s Ed Diaz at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected].
One week later on March 13 the 9th Annual XTERRA Saipan Championship will take place. The XTERRA is an extreme triathlon challenge that includes a 1.5K swim, a 12K trail run, and a 30K mountain bike race.
And on March 20 the annual Tagaman Triathlon features a 2K swim, a 60K bike ride, and a 15K run. Cash prizes are given for top six male and female finishers as well as trophies to age group winners.
For more information about any of these activities, contact MVA’s Frank Tudela at 1-670-664-3200 or [email protected].
