Triathletes from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Guam, and Japan expected to take part in the annual Ironman event.
The triathlon features two distances: an A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km rigorous bike ride, and a 10km run (no time limit) and the B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2km swim, 90km bike ride, and a 21km run (eight-hour time limit).
For team competitors, there will also be an A-type event.
Start time for both distances is 6:30 a.m. at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted and bike helmets are required. Registration fees are $80 for A-type course solo competitors and $70 for each member in a team. The B-type course’s fee is $100.
The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and invitation to the awards banquet at the East Harbor.
Pre-registration will be held on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar. A swim course inspection will be held on the same day from 1 to 2 p.m. at the East Harbor. Final registration takes place in the evening from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rota Resort and Country Club’s Sunset BBQ Tiki Tiki. Pre-race briefing for all participants will be held on the same day from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The awards banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. after the race.
“Participation increases yearly because of the friendly environment the people of Rota create for our visitors,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas.
“Rota is beginning to enjoy some notoriety as a prime travel destination.”
He added that the event benefits everyone in Rota, especially the business community. The mayor stated that a majority of the triathletes competing on island show strong interest in returning.
The Rota Blue Triathlon is an annual signature event of the MVA, aimed at attracting visitors to the southern-most island of the NMI chain. The event is widely anticipated and supported by the local community.
For more information, contact Frank Tudela at 1-670-664-3200/01 or [email protected] or Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327.
