This year’s event, MVA in a statement said had 40 runners from Japan and close to 40 athletes from CNMI and Guam who trekked Saipan’s coffee plantation and the grassy trail of Mt. Tapotchao last Saturday.
Starting at the American Memorial Park at 6:30 a.m., the runners took the 10-mile course that cuts through old plantations on Mt. Tapachao, young plantation and wild coffee trees at the Navy Hill.
The route traversed the Camacho bee farm, a dry stream, and the trails that were featured in the annual XTERRA competition.
Runners also enjoyed a pick-me-up at several checkpoints with chocolate-covered espresso beans, courtesy of event sponsor Marianas Coffee.
This year’s winners were Antonio Florence who clocked in at 57:03 and Jake Vandam who finished the course in 58:33 minutes.
Settling for third place was Gigo Tomokane who completed it in 59:39.
In the female overall, this year’s title went to Imaya Akane who slipped in at 1:12:22. Behind her was Aldrich Wantha with a time of 1:15:59 and Amanda Allen came in third with 1:22:28.
In the long course, the tough runners who were Miyachi Fujio who captured his second first place award after finishing the course in 1:27:09.
Trailing him by just about three minutes was Jack Kabriel who crossed the finish line at 1:30:11. Ji Keumbae came third with 1:32:30.
In the female division, Mamiko Berger arrived at the finish line at 1:37:33 followed by Japan’s Nakahara Yasue with 1:42:18. Hasegawa Mai settled for third place posting 1:45:51 hour.
“The Marianas Coffee Trail Run aims to attract competitors by providing challenging trail terrain in the context of a beautiful course,” MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio said.
“The three coffee plantations featured in the run are just a taste of the many scenic sights that visiting athletes can enjoy along the way,” he added.
The MVA thanks event sponsors, Marianas Coffee Company Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Jordon, In-kind contributors: Pacific Islands Club, Aqua Resort Club, Saipan Grand Hotel, Saipan Sunset Cruise., Inc., Saipan Sea Ventures Inc. and supporters, Team PDI, KFC Triathlon Club, Viva La Saipan, Parks & Recreation, Northern Mariana Athletic Association, Landowners BJ Attao and Frank Camacho, Nursing Club from the NMC, Joshua and Mamiko Berger, Lewie Tenorio, American Memorial Park and all the volunteers who supported the event.
