Nick Robie finishes first in the men’s open division of Gecko 5000 on Saturday at Banzai Cliff.
Savannah Grant finishes third in the women’s open division Gecko 5000 on Saturday at Banzai Cliff.
NICK Robie and Terra Allen ruled their respective divisions in the open category of the annual Gecko 5000 race at Banzi Cliff on Saturday morning.
Although the course was packed with over 400 participants from the third week of the NMA-PSS All School Cross Country series and Gecko 5000, Robie said he focused on following a certain student throughout his run.
“I was sort of pacing myself from that outstanding high schooler, Michael Miller. So I had him in my sights and tried to run him down, but he got away,” shared the 24-year-old CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife employee.
Robie finished first in the men’s division with a time of 19:27.
This was Robie’s very first race on island after arriving six months ago. “It’s so fun to be a part of it — and it’s super well-organized. It was a fun mix of uphill and downhill, and it was a beautiful morning,” he added.
“It’s such a great community here — it’s super fun to be a part of and it’s great seeing everybody get out the door and put their running shoes on,” said Robie, who, in college, was a mid-distance runner for Butler University.
In second place was Anthony Bergancia who clocked 21:02 followed by Steve Yang in third with a time of 24:11.
Women’s division
In the women’s division, Terra Allen claimed first place with a time of 25:37 followed by Shauna Brennfleck in second at 27:11, and Savannah Grant in third at 27:58.
This year’s Gecko 5000 was special because it coincided with Saipan International School’s 30th anniversary.
“This was the biggest turnout for the Gecko 5000 yet,” said SIS Headmaster Dr. Ron Snyder. “We had 457 registered finishers. With unregistered runners and spectators, we had well over 750 people at Banzai Cliff. I am very proud as a coach and headmaster for SIS.”
The results of the All School Cross Country will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
