RESOL no Mori, Japan — The rhythmic pounding of nearly a thousand feet hitting the ground echoed like a stampede of horses racing across the plains, as the largest Asia Pacific Invitational in history brought together 400 athletes from 37 schools. Against the backdrop of fierce competition, Team NMI rose to the challenge, delivering personal bests and strong team finishes in an event that will be remembered for its intensity and spirit.
Boys’ team highlights
The boys’ team stood tall, earning an impressive 7th place overall with a score of 202 points. Jireh Wang of Agape Christian School led the charge, racing to 25th place with a time of 18:57.51, setting a personal record. Victor Nash Santos of Saipan International School wasn’t far behind, crossing the line in 27th place with a time of 19:02.02. Teammates Michael Miller and Takeru Jin of MHS also turned in strong performances, placing 37th and 51st respectively, followed by Ziheng Cai (ACS) in 65th place.
Despite their excellent finishes, the NMI athletes were challenged by the sheer size of the race packs — something they had not previously experienced. Navigating through such a large and competitive field, with the push and shove of 200 athletes jockeying for position, made it difficult for them to find their place early in the race.
Scoring runners (boys)
• Jireh Wang: 18:57.51 (25th place)
• Victor Nash Santos: 19:02.02 (27th place)
• Michael Miller: 19:11.13 (37th place)
• Takeru Jin: 19:29.44 (51st place)
• Ziheng Cai: 19:46.5 (65th place)
• James Fan: 19:49.4 (66th place)
• Simon Tang: 20:12.57 (85th place)
Girls’ team highlights
The girls’ team delivered a strong effort, finishing 12th overall with 279 points. SIS Geckos Kaithlyn Chavez and Addalee Taflinger led the way for the girls, with Kaithlyn securing 18th place in a time of 22:33.71 and Addalee Taflinger followed closely behind in 20th place, setting a PR with her time of 22:37.02. Zhaoyu Shen (ACS) and Aubrey White (SIS) contributed strong finishes, helping solidify the team’s standing.
Just like the boys, the race was a learning experience for the NMI girls with the crush of larger, aggressive packs, making it difficult to find their rhythm and positioning in such a competitive field. Despite this challenge, the athletes showcased resilience and determination, pushing through the crowded course to achieve great results.
Scoring runners (girls)
• Kaithlyn Chavez: 22:33.71 (18th place)
• Addalee Taflinger: 22:37.02 (20th place)
• Zhaoyu Shen: 24:33.83 (78th place)
• Aubrey White: 25:19.94 (93rd place)
• Ruishi Zhu: 25.39.3 (100th place)
• Jiamei Hong: 25:51.06 (103rd place)
• Julie Chavez 26.24.4 (116th place)
Open race highlights
The NMI’s strong presence extended to the Open category, where individual athletes and coaches also delivered remarkable performances. Landon Taflinger placed 3rd overall with a personal best time of 19:41.11, closely followed by Ruizhe Zhu in 4th place with a time of 20:04.12. Lang Yang secured 6th place, finishing at 20:23.93. NMI Head Coach Ronald Snyder showed his own competitive spirit, finishing the race with a time of 26:56.96.
NMI Open Race
• Landon Taflinger: 19:41.11 (3rd place, PR)
• Ruizhe Zhu: 20:04.12 (4th place, PR)
• Lang Yang: 20:23.93 (6th place, PR)
• Chad Taflinger 22.48.3
• Catherine Pan 25:46.1
• Coach Ronald Snyder: 26:56.96
• Joanna Pang 27.03.4
• Coach Angela Taflinger 27.11.6
• Jian Chung 27.16.5
A historic API
With 37 schools and 400 athletes (220 boys and 180 girls) competing, this year’s Asia Pacific Invitational was the largest in its history. The sheer magnitude of the event made the races more competitive than ever, and Team NMI’s strong showing amidst this heightened intensity speaks to their growth and determination.
Team standings
• Boys: 7th place overall, 202 points
• Girls: 12th place overall, 279 points
Team NMI continues to represent the Northern Mariana Islands with pride and heart, building on their successes as they look forward to the Team Relay competition on Day 2.
Team NMI
Aubrey White passing on the hill.
Mary Zhu rounds the switchback.
Raffy Cai in the lead.
The girls take off from the starting line.
