Joel Phair is the first to cross the finish line of the 2023 Run Saipan Holiday Half Marathon & AK 5K Fun Run at Micro Beach on Saturday.
Rosemarie Chisato, Ann Bang, and Jessica Ortizo pose for a photo with Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr and Treasurer Dr. Ron Snyder during the awards ceremony of the 2023 Run Saipan Holiday Half Marathon & AK 5K Fun Run at Crowne Plaza Resort.
JOEL Phair and Rosemarie Chisato were the first to cross the finish line in their respective divisions to win the 2023 Run Saipan Holiday Half Marathon on Saturday at Micro Beach.
It rained in the early morning, but the sun came out just before the countdown began for the nearly 50 runners taking on the long and strenuous course.
After more than an hour and a half, Joel Phair was already in sight with spectators and supporters cheering him on as he crossed the finish line with a time of 1:44:38.
In second place was high school student Simon Tang with a time of 1:54:44 followed by an even younger student, Landen Taflinger, at 1:57:25.
In the women’s division, avid runner Rosemarie Chisato claimed first place with a time of 2:00:24 followed by Ann Bang in second place at 2:03:48, and Jessica Ortizo in third at 2:05:40.
“I was surprised to be the first among the women in the half marathon,” Chisato said. But “I always train before a race, so I was prepared. I made sure I slept early and stayed hydrated. I got up at 4:30 in the morning for my training. And I am very happy that this is the fruit of my labor. The course was difficult, but it was fun at the same time. I just made sure to have fun while running. I would like to thank my family and friends for the support and for inspiring me,” she added.
Joining the spotlight were the following age group winners:
In the 19-34 age group, Aaron Pamintuan led the men’s with a time of 1:58:52 followed by Simon Necesito (2:08:07) and Kurt Songsong (2:33:59). Amber Estupinian led the women’s with a time of 2:20:00 followed by Jeane Bracken (2:27:23), and Jove Taman (2:44:14).
In the 40-44 age group, Chad Taflinger went solo in the men’s with a time of 1:58:49 while the women’s was led by his wife, Angela Taflinger, with a time of 2:08:35 followed by Kathleen Tolentino (2:12:34), and Shiela Isla (2:35:50).
In the 45-49 age group, Jov Chavez led the men’s with a time of 2:43:59 while Mei Hua Jin led the women’s with a time of 2:44:20.
In the 50-54 age group, Matthew Furan led the men’s at 2:02:33 followed by James Abuy (2:16:54), and Raymund Tolentio (2:18:04) while Marilou Carlos led the women’s at 2:26:23 followed by Rebecca Wiggins (2:34:01).
In the 55-59 age group, Kim Church was the sole runner and she clocked 2:44:56.
In the 60 and above age group, Chong Nam Lee led the list with a time of 2:05:13 followed by Changwan Jang (2:08:46), and Tom Austin (2:46:40).
“Thank you to our title sponsor Atkins Kroll for sponsoring the entire event for the second year in a row,” said Run Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr.
“ I hope that it will become a third consecutive year in a row in 2024. Thank you, too, to Hong Ye Construction for sponsoring the [Education Tax Credit] prize of $1,500. The lucky school with the most participation this year was Saipan International School,” Dela Cruz said.
“On behalf of my board and the entire running community in the NMI, a large heartwarming thank you to the following organizations for the success of our 2nd Half Marathon and AK 5K: Northern Marianas Athletics, Crowne Plaza Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Aqua Resort Club, Saipan Paddling Club, Northern Marianas College, the Marianas Visitors Authority, Napu Brewing Company, Tapped Out, Marpac, Gold’s Gym Saipan, Latte Built 24, Coalition of Private Schools Association, Saipan International School, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Thanks also to our volunteer corps of NMA, Run Saipan, AK, Marianas High School NHS and MHS Run Club. Special thank you to the Department of Public Safety. Thank you Commissioner Clement Bermudes and your outstanding officers for providing safety and security for our runners, pedestrians and motorists alike!”
The AK 5K winners will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
