By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
AKIKO Miller and James Munnis claimed the overall titles at Run Saipan’s Dash and Splash Mangrove 5K ’25 on Monday morning at Micro Beach.
Miller once again proved her mastery of one of Run Saipan’s signature races, conquering both the course and conditions to cross the finish line in an impressive 22:22.34. Her performance showcased a powerful blend of speed in the “dash” and agility through the challenging terrain, securing first place in the women’s division.
Krista Hawley continued to show progress in the racing scene, finishing as the clear runner-up with a time of 25:41.20, while Ji Woon Lee rounded out the women’s podium in 35:02.86.
In the men’s division, Munnis delivered a dominant performance, taking first place in 23:12.29. The seasoned runner navigated the course with precision, finishing more than four minutes ahead of the field.
Matthew Furan placed second in 27:12.04, followed by Kurt Songsong, who finished third in 29:50.06.
The Dash and Splash is a flagship event for Run Saipan — an original concept championed by Dr. Ron Snyder, the organization’s former secretary/treasurer.
Popular for its scenic setting, the race is often held at sunset, offering participants the unique experience of sprinting toward the Micro Beach shoreline for a dramatic “splash” finish into the cool ocean water.
The event embodies Run Saipan’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle while celebrating Saipan’s natural beauty.