Co-sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority, all these races offer local residents and visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in the sport of running while being treated to the beauties of NMI.
The month starts with the 2010 Winter Festival of Runs on March 6, a trio of runs that includes a full marathon (26.2 miles/42.195Km), a half marathon (13.1 miles/21.1K) and a fun run of 10km (6.2 miles).
Each run includes five age divisions: 19 and under, 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; and 50 and Up. Entrance fee for the full marathon is $55.00, with $45.00 for the half marathon and fun run. Registration deadline is Feb. 19, 2010 for all events, and those who register before Jan. 16, 2010, save $10 from the registration fee.
For more information, contact Kurt Barnes at 1-670-235-5853 or [email protected] or Edward Diaz (MVA) 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected].
One week later, March 13 will see the 9th Annual XTERRA Saipan Championship, an international sporting event that takes place on some of the most rugged terrains and jungles of Saipan.
The XTERRA is an extreme triathlon challenge that includes a 1.5K swim, a 12K trail run, and a 30K mountain bike race. One of seventeen worldwide events, the Saipan XTERRA is known as the “crown jewel” of them all. It offers the chance to race your way to the Maui XTERRA World Championship, and provides a battleground for an exclusive field.
Deadline for entries is Wednesday, March 10, 2010. For more information on this international outdoor competition contact MVA at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected] or check out the websites at www.xterraplanet.com or www.saipansports.com.
March 20 sees the last – but not least – in the March trio of races.
The annual Tagaman Triathlon features a 2K swim beginning in the crystal clear waters at Pacific Islands Club Saipan, a 60K bike along the island’s beautiful bike courses, and a 15K run along the western lagoon and through the American Memorial Park.
Cash prizes are given for top six male and female finishers as well as trophies to age group winners. Registration is Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the P.I.C. Game Room from 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
For more information contact Edward Diaz (MVA) 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected], Marie at 1-670-234-6959 or visit www.saipansports.com.
“This is an astonishing opportunity of racing events for all—the serious athlete and those who run for fun,” said MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio.
“Whether it involves shipping a bike or just throwing a pair of running shoes in their bag, international athletes come back year after year in order to be able to participate in these exciting races. We look forward to again hosting all the great people who visit our islands in March,” he said.
For more information about any of these activities, contact MVA’s Edward Diaz at 1-670-664-3200 or [email protected].
