The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority drew 48 athletes from Japan and two from Tinian. Sponsored jointly by the KFC Triathlon Club, the Tinian Mayor’s Office, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, and the MVA, the competition is another in a series of sports events that attract visitors, athletes, and media to the beautiful Northern Marianas.
Aoyama topped the 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. Over 30 minutes behind the front-runner was Matsushima Akira of Japan in 3:05:04, with Nagae Tadashi of Japan on his heels and finishing at 3:05:29.
The event was also marked by the participation of three-time Tagaman champion Hedeya Mayazuka, who finished sixth overall.
Twenty-two year old Joshua Manglona was the lone Tinian competitor to compete in the full triathlon, finishing seventh with a time of 3:34:55. Seventeen-year old James Kim of Tinian also finished second in the 1.5km swim and first in the 10km run.
Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz also joined the swim route but turned back at the 100 meter buoy.
“This is a tough sport,” the mayor exclaimed. “It needs serious training!”
At the awards ceremony, the mayor extended his appreciation to the event supporters, which included MVA, Tinian Mayor’s Office, Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Public Works, Tinian Health Center, Americorps, and Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.
“I would also like to thank the members of the KFC Triathlon Club for their continued participation and for making this year’s triathlon an extremely exciting and competitive event for all the residents of Tinian to enjoy,” said Dela Cruz.
“The location and various courses available at the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon and Reef Swim continue to appeal to triathletes, as we’ve seen in this year’s registration,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “We had a strong showing of participants from Japan, and competitors ages 17 to 69 were able to customize their course based on their ability. We hope to see more participants next year.”
The Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon and Reef Swim is traditionally held each June. (AP)
