VICTORY Nash Santos and Krista Hawley are one race away from topping their respective divisions in Run Saipan’s Trinity 2025 after finishing first in two of the three races held over the weekend in separate locations.
The three-day race started with the Beach Path 10K, where runners completed two laps on Beach Road, with the start/finish line near Oleai Beach Bar & Grill.
Victory Nash Santos clocked 39:25 to finish first overall and lead the men’s division. Coming in second and third places were Landen Taflinger at 42:02 and Jordan Ruiz at 44:26.
“I just want to thank Jesus for waking me up today for this race,” Santos said. “I exceeded my expectations, but I believe I could do better — that’s a runner’s mentality,” he added.
After the first three miles, he said he felt like giving up, but he decided to push through. Last year, he placed third, so he is happy to see significant improvement.
Santos said he signed up for Trinity 2025 “to keep pushing myself — and my whole family is doing it.”
Women’s division
In the women’s division, newcomer Krista Hawley gave the competition a run for their money, finishing first with a time of 50:59. In second place was Addalee Taflinger at 51:14 while Terra Allen came in third at 51:47.
The first day was “excellent,” Hawley said. “I love the out-and-back because you get to see people back-and-forth, and you see the people you know,” she added.
Hawley also competed in the Rota Marathon and now is now training for the Saipan Marathon.
“So, this is in place of some speed work I would have to do otherwise, and this is much more fun,” Hawley said. “I like joining the Run Saipan races because they are super well-supported, and everyone is great and full of positive attitude, which is great for the community,” she added.
Mt. Tapochao 5K
Santos and Hawley’s least favorite course was the Mount Tapochao 5K race, which they dominated.
Santos led the men’s division with a time of 24:38 followed by Landen Taflinger at 25:46, and Ruiz at 28:21.
Leading the women was Hawley with a time of 32:42 followed by Addalee Taflinger at 33:19 and Allen at 34:13.
The final leg of the race — the Marpi Trail run — will be held Monday morning, Feb. 17.
The top 3 men runners Landen Taflinger, Victor Nash Santos, and Jordan Ruiz pose for a photo on Mount Tapochao.
Top 3 women runners Addalee Taflinger, Krista Hawley, and Terra Allen pose for a photo on Mount Tapochao.
Krista Hawley celebrates as she approaches the finish line of Run Saipan’s Trinity 2025/Beach Path 10K near Oleai Beach Bar & Grill on Saturday.
Victor Nash Santos smiles as he finishes first overall in Run Saipan’s Trinity 2025/Beach Path 10K on Saturday.
