By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
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NORTHERN Marianas Athletics is gearing up to host the NMI Cross Country Championship 2025, a premier event that will test the grit, endurance, and strength of the islands’ best runners, slated for Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Saipan Cross Country Open & Masters Championship promises an exciting day of racing, catering to a wide range of competitive runners.
Although the course details have yet to be announced, the race will begin at 6:30 a.m. (check-in time: 6:20 a.m.), with the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions running an 8K distance, while the Men’s and Women’s Masters divisions will compete over 6K.
The course is designed to challenge competitors’ endurance, strength, and determination.
The championship provides a platform for both established and up-and-coming athletes to compete for top honors in their respective Open and Masters divisions. Recent performances by NMI student-athletes, such as Addalee Taflinger and Victor Nash Santos at the Asia Pacific International Cross Country Championship, underscore the growing talent in the NMI, setting the stage for a highly competitive local race.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, recognizing the exceptional performance of podium contenders.
Runners can register for the event online at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/111941/nmi-cross-country-championship-2025
Northern Marianas Athletics encourages all runners to register early and be a part of this year’s cross country championship.
The event serves as a crucial fixture on the local athletics calendar, promoting the sport of distance running and celebrating the dedication of the Commonwealth’s athletics community.
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.