Kabriel was among the 44 runners that morning, with some participants taking part in the 4.2-mile long fun run event. All participants enjoyed their day dashing through the island’s beautiful scenery and receiving gifts courtesy of the event’s sponsors.
Jack Kabriel finished first in men’s division and overall. Caesar Danao finished second a minute after Kabriel. Ji Keum Bae came third, clocking in at 1:47:31.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Reed enjoyed her medal and prizes after placing first in the women’s division. Natasha Kuckuck followed Reed, finishing in second place.
Aside from the half marathon runners, prizes and medals were also given to the top three males and females that took part in the fun run. Michael Mancao dashed through the fun run course in less than half an hour, finishing first place. Mancao noted that he felt good after completing the race, and that his biggest obstacles included the slopes along the jungle trail.
Running behind Mancao as he crossed the finish line was second place winner Ron Villafria. Kagman High School’s Douglas Dillay came a minute later, winning third place.
Rebeckah Iseman topped the women’s division for the fun run, timing in at 38 minutes and 35 seconds. Rebecca Schroeder came second while Reylynn Sapong finished third.
Proceeds of event went to the Independent Football Club, whose members were present at the half marathon as volunteers. They were joined by Saipan Southern High School students and members from Marianas High School’s National Honor Society.
“I really want to thank all of the participants that came out and did this run. These are the kinds of positive things we try to push with our soccer club. We always want to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said IFC Vice President Greg Borja.
Half marathon coordinator Brad Ruszala chose the IFC as the beneficiary of the event because of its goals to provide organized football and equipment to young, interested football players at no charge.
All runners finished their morning with a raffle, with prizes made possible by the half marathon’s sponsors.
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