(MVA) — The early bird registration deadline for Rota Marathon 2026 on Jan. 31 in the Marianas is Dec. 31, 2025, with online registration now open at https://mva.mymarianas.com/rota-marathon-registration
The event is co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Office of the Mayor of Rota. Early bird registration rates through Dec. 31, 2025, are $25 for the full marathon, $20 for the half marathon, and $15 for the 5K. Rates increase on Jan. 1, 2026.
“On behalf of the people of Rota, it is our great pleasure to join with the MVA in preparing to welcome all participants to Rota Marathon 2026 in just a few short weeks,” said Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog. “Whether you are joining us from our sister islands of Saipan, Tinian, Guam, or from around the world, we look forward to helping each one experience the beauty, challenge, and hospitality of our Far From Ordinary Rota. See you on Jan. 31 in Rota!”
Registrants will be treated to an awards dinner buffet outdoors at Rota Roundhouse on race day and will also receive an official Rota Marathon 2026 shirt and printed finisher’s certificate. Mandatory race packet pick-up is Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rota Roundhouse in Songsong. Race briefing will be held at 6 p.m. Representatives may pick up race packets for registrants only with written authorization and a copy of the registrant’s valid photo ID.
Cash prizes will be awarded for Top Overall Finishers in 1st-3rd place in Male and Female Divisions for full marathon ($400, $300, $200, respectively), half marathon ($300, $200, $100, respectively), and 5K ($200, $150, $100, respectively). Full marathon participants must be age 18 or older.
This year’s marathon and half-marathon courses will have a change of course compared to last year, first head north under the stars of Rota’s dark night along the western lagoon, returning south to wind through lush, shaded roads back to the finish in Songsong. The 5K route, a favorite for its sweeping sunrise vistas, will remain along Sasanhaya Bay.
Rota is just a short flight from Saipan or Guam, with air service provided by STAR Marianas and Micronesian Air Connection Services.
Accommodations are available at:
• Valentino Hotel – (670) 532-8466
• Coral Garden Hotel – (670) 532-3201
• Light Heart Motel – (670) 285-0062, jdbepari97.jb@gmail.com
• PJM Ent. B&B – (670) 532-2539/(670) 287-5635
• Mowtel B&B – (670) 783-3566/(670) 285-3566
For more information, contact Ed Diaz, MVA community projects coordinator – communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200; Dave Atalig, MVA Rota field operations supervisor – datalig@mymarianas.com or (670) 532-0327.
You may also visit www.mymarianas.com
