By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
ALTHOUGH Team Santa claimed the open mixed teams division, Agape remains the team to beat in Northern Marianas Athletics’ Annual Christmas Island Relay 2025 after successfully defending its youth division title with a first-place finish during Saturday’s race at the Last Command Post.
Starting at 6 a.m. from the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio, a total of 89 runners braved the 13.7-mile course to the Last Command Post in Marpi, where the Agape Youth Team reigned supreme, finishing first with a time of 1:37:23.60 to earn back-to-back championships.
The Agape Youth Team consists of James Feng, Job Gong, David Yang, Johnny Shen, and Lucy Hong.
Taking second place was Hopwood 8, composed of Zian Sinday, Marq Hernandez, Zian Lavarias, Alex Salandugit, and Angel Calayag. The team finished 10 minutes later with a time of 1:46:23.60.
Third place went to Agape Youth 2. Team members Benjamin Cai, Scott Shi, Brian Li, Daniel Li, and Angela You rounded out the top three with a time of 1:50:25.50.
Community and tradition
Beyond the podium finishes, the relay was marked by its unique and inclusive atmosphere. Teams were required to be mixed-gender and include diverse age groups, such as members under 16 or over 40, ensuring the event remained a community-wide celebration that embodies Northern Marianas Athletics’ goal of promoting healthy lifestyles through teamwork and festive camaraderie.
NMA thanked event sponsors Tan Holdings, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Inc., and Run Saipan.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
