Hundreds of local runners of all ages showcased their talent and endurance at Saipan Vegas Golf Course, with age-group winners taking home top honors and highlighting the growing strength of the NMI running community.
Student-athlete Nash Santos joined the Open Division runners for a longer-distance race at the Saipan Vegas Golf Course on Saturday, Nov 15. securing his third title in three months.
The NMI Open Cross Country & NMI Masters 6K drew hundreds of local runners of all ages, impressing organizers with their outstanding performances across divisions.
In the 8-kilometer Open Division, Santos clocked 34 minutes and 31.6 seconds to dominate the field and claim the gold medal. He had previously won two consecutive titles in All-School Cross Country. Landon Taflinger finished second with a time of 35 minutes and 46.48 seconds, while Takeru Jim took bronze in 39 minutes and 46.48 seconds.
In the Under-20 Division, Riggillo Robert won the gold medal with a time of 48 minutes and 6.31 seconds. Phair Pete earned silver at 48 minutes and 20.04 seconds, and Jolash Saluta completed the podium with 48 minutes and 50.72 seconds for bronze.
The male 40-year-old group in the 6-kilometer Masters Division saw Chad Taflinger and Joel nearly neck-and-neck. Taflinger clocked 29 minutes and 9.47 seconds to claim the gold medal, while Joel finished with 29 minutes and 51.78 seconds for silver.
In other Masters age groups, Paul Khang was the lone competitor in the male 75-year-old division, finishing in 39 minutes and 32.96 seconds to win gold. Simon Neccesito secured the gold in the male 30-year-old group with a time of 50 minutes and 11.10 seconds.
Among female runners, Angela Taflinger led the 40-year-old group with 34 minutes and 43.81 seconds. Pamela Walsh topped the 45-year-old division at 42 minutes and 54.14 seconds, Ban An won the 50-year-old group in 34 minutes and 31.63 seconds, and Nelly Min claimed the 55-year-old group with 39 minutes and 10.05 seconds.
Northern Marianas Athletics Race Director Robin Sapong thanked Run Saipan volunteers and Saipan Vegas Golf for their support in making the event possible. He congratulated all athletes for their hard work, heart, and resilience, noting that their dedication contributed to another successful race.
