Registration nears for the 81KM adventure along historic rails — deadline is Dec. 12
(MVA) — The Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run is picking up steam for its 81KM adventure on Jan. 17, 2026, in the Marianas, with registration now open to all runners. Registration closes soon, with the deadline set for Friday, Dec. 12.
Jointly organized by Sports Aid Japan and the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the run follows the historic sugarcane railway route that once crisscrossed Saipan during the bustling Japanese administrative period of the early 1900s. This endurance event commemorates the 150th birthday of Haruji Matsue, the legendary “Sugar King” who helped lay the groundwork for the Marianas’ sugar industry.
General individual registration is ¥19,200 (about $124) through the Sports Aid Japan portal at www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/102473. Marianas resident individual registration is $80, available in person at the MVA office on Beach Rd., I Liyang, Saipan. Marianas resident relay teams are also welcome at $80/team. English registration forms and race fact sheets are available on The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com.
“Sports Aid Japan organizes races for its members across Japan featuring significant sites, scenery, and history. We’re thrilled they’ve chosen the Marianas for their first-ever overseas event,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We’re working closely to make this run a far-from-ordinary experience for all participants, filled with adventure, camaraderie, and a celebration of history.”
The story of The Marianas is a rich tapestry, woven with the heritage of the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people and shaped by centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese, and American influence. During the Japanese era, the Marianas was a major hub for sugarcane cultivation, with a legendary 50-mile (80.5 km) narrow-gauge railway encircling Saipan—a legacy that still echoes across the island. Similar railways once ran on Tinian and Rota.
“Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run is unique—it’s an endurance race, a road run, and a trail run all rolled into one,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “We encourage all interested runners to register by Dec. 12. It’s an earlier deadline than most MVA races, as Sports Aid Japan is putting extra care into every detail, from amenities to safety. We’re looking forward to a full train of participants!”
Event Highlights:
The route traces the historic railway, including climbs to Mt. Tapochao, the scenic northern coastline, and WWII heritage sites.
The race starts and finishes at American Memorial Park, Micro Beach, Garapan. Starting ceremony: 4:30 a.m.; race begins at 5 a.m.; finish line closes at 9 p.m.
Relay teams of 2–6 members will switch at designated aid stations.
Awards and Amenities:
Digital finisher’s certificate
Official race t-shirt
Marianas specialty product
Pre-event reception Jan. 16 with food, drinks, and performances
Optional post-event party Jan. 18 and sightseeing tours (additional fee)
Safety, self-sufficiency, and respect for the Marianas’ natural and historical heritage are top priorities, organizers said. Participants must navigate using official course maps, pass all checkpoints, and carry required night gear and cell phones. Individual runners must show proof of finishing a marathon in Oct. 2022 or later (waived for team entries). Additional requirements apply. The official course map is at: https://shorturl.at/HQ9j5
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at communityprojects@mymarianas.com, call 1.670.664.3200, or visit The Marianas Calendar at http://www.mymarianas.com.
