Mark Charfauros takes on the 5K course with Wedding Cake Mountain in the background at Rota Marathon 2024.
Songsong, Rota will be the start and finish for the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon set for Jan. 18, 2025.
(MVA) — The best early bird registration rates are available only through next Thursday, Oct. 31, for the 2nd Annual Rota Marathon in the Marianas on Jan. 18, 2025, with registration as low as $10 for the 5K course.
Rota Marathon will again feature a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses on one of the most picturesque islands of the Marianas archipelago, also known as “The World’s Friendliest Island.”
“In cooperation with the Rota Mayor’s Office and the Rota community, we are again preparing for a beautiful and well-organized race on the stunning island of Luta,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Last year we had 83 runners — both local and international. Our goal is to increase that number so we can continue to share the amazing scenery, culture, and relaxing vibe of Rota around the world. Rota Marathon is not only a race — it’s an escape…a chance to connect with nature, experience an amazing community, and slow down and refresh the spirit.”
The race falls on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Early bird registration rates through Oct. 31, 2024, are $20 for the full marathon, $15 for the half-marathon, and $10 for the 5K. Registration rates will increase beginning Nov. 1, 2024. Full marathon participants must be 16 years of age or older. Half marathon participants must be 14 years of age or older.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the overall top 3 finishers, male and female. In the full marathon, prizes are $400 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place. In the half-marathon, prizes are $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $150 for 3rd place. In the 5K, prizes are $200 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place.
“Not only does Rota Marathon offer the most scenic route in The Marianas, I say, but our hospitality as local residents is second to none!” pledged MVA Rota Acting Field Operations Supervisor David Atalig. “Lush, green land all around and the best beaches to sit and watch the sunset. Luta is your perfect getaway to rest and feel rejuvenated.”
Rota is 30 minutes from the capital island of Saipan by light-aircraft. In addition to daily flights, charter flights are operated by Star Marianas Air to Rota from Saipan and Guam. Rota also offers award-winning dive opportunities and numerous sites listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The final day to register is Jan. 17, 2025. Mandatory race packet pickup will be on Jan. 17 from 5-6 p.m. at Rota Round House in Songsong, and the race briefing will be at 6 p.m. On Jan. 18, the full marathon will begin at 4 a.m., half-marathon will begin at 5 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 6:30 a.m.
The road race will begin at Rota Round House in Songsong and traverse scenic and historic sites on the island. Registration includes a limited edition official Rota Marathon t-shirt, Rota Marathon medal, and one entry to the awards banquet to be held at 6 p.m. on race day. Registration may be made online at www.mymarianas.com or in person at the MVA office in Saipan at 3366 Beach Rd., Suite 101, Garapan or at the MVA field office in Songsong, Rota.
For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Ed Diaz at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200. You may also reach out to MVA Rota Field Operations Supervisor David Atalig at datalig@mymarianas.com or (670) 532-0327.
