(MVA) — Skechers Saipan Marathon 2026 on March 7, 2026, in the Marianas attracted 782 registrants from nearly 20 countries and territories around the world, a nod to the large appeal of this small 13-mile long island in the remote western Pacific.
Starting amid overcast skies and light showers giving way to rainbow-framed morning ocean views, Skechers Saipan Marathon stands out as a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. The annual event was co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Northern Marianas Athletics.
Husband and wife Hiroki Nakajima (2:45:53) and Tomomi Nakajima (3:17:16) of Japan repeated their 2025 winning form as the fastest Male and Female in the full marathon, respectively. Tomomi was also the top Female finisher in 2019. Hiroko was followed by Hiroki Kai (2:55:97) of Japan and Taekwon Kim (2:59:31) of South Korea. Tomomi was trailed by Ishikawa Emari (3:49;27) of Japan and Jung Yejin (3:50:38) of Korea.
In the half marathon Male Division, it was Shohei Miyamoto (1:19:14) in 1st place, Jody O’Sullivan (1:29:38) of Ireland in 2nd place, and Kim Dong-Hwan (1:34:36) in 3rd. The Female Division was led by Lily Muldoon (1:34:39) of the Marianas-USA, followed by Kim Bo-eun (1:47:17) of Korea and Kristy Bryson (1:49:03) of Canada.
The 10K route had the highest number of registrants — nearly 300 — with Namkung Min (0:39:13) of Korea breezing in for 1st place in the Male Division, followed by Victor Neil Santos (0:40:37) of Northern Marianas, and Takeru Jim (40:57) of the Marianas. Leading the Female Division was Yun-ji Lee (0:44:12), followed by Minkyoung Park (0:4&;23) and Baek Gi-yoon (0:50:30), a podium sweep by South Korea.
Victor Nash Santos (0:18:09) of USA finished first in the Male Division of the 5K, followed by Bok Gwon-il (0:22:09) of Korea and Zhaodian Gao (0:24:11) of China. The Female Division was dominated by Marianas hometown favorites of Nathania Tan (0:18:31), Kaithlyn Chavez (0:21:42), and Tammy Ackerman (0:22:55).
“Skechers Saipan Marathon continues to showcase the very best of our islands — our natural beauty, our welcoming spirit, and our sense of community,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “This year’s event was made possible through the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the entire community who came together to welcome runners from around the world. We are deeply grateful for every hand that has helped elevate this signature event for our islands. We invite everyone to join us again next year as we continue to grow the Saipan Marathon into a world‑class experience that reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth of our Far From Ordinary Marianas.”
In addition to title sponsor Skechers, Platinum Sponsor was Coca-Cola/Powerade and Gold Sponsors were United Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-car, and Gold’s Gym Saipan.
The first-ever Saipan Marathon Business Expo on March 6 was jointly organized with the CNMI Department of Commerce, putting runners and local residents in touch with products, services, and experiences aligned with sports and health.
Aid stations were manned by volunteers from the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, ASC Trust, Atkins Kroll Saipan, Bridge Capital, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kinpachi Restaurant, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Marianas Lady Eagles Club, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Saipan Unity Lions Club, and Saipan World Resort.
Supporting government agencies were the Offices of the Governor & Lt. Governor, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Department of Public Safety, Division of Parks & Recreation, Department of Public Works, Department of Commerce, Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, and Homeland Security.
Saipan Marathon is a World Athletics–registered competition and is listed on the World Athletics Global Calendar as a World Rankings Competition, the only marathon in the Pacific with this status. The marathon is held every March in the Marianas, a 14-island archipelago where ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities.
