Workers build the start/finish line arch at American Memorial Park for the Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9, 2024. Nearly 500 runners have registered for the event, with all courses this year on Chalan Pale Arnold or Middle Road from Oleai to Marpi. The outer southbound lane will be closed to traffic during the race.
(MVA) — Thursday, March 7, is the last day to register for Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024, offering full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K courses on March 9, 2024, in the Marianas.
As of Tuesday, March 5, over 470 runners from the Marianas, Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Guam, USA, France, and Poland had registered for the race. Registration is open at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/78587/saipan-marathon-2024 and is $110 for the full marathon and $80 for the half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Full marathon participants must be age 18 or older. Half marathon participants must be 14 years old or older. With valid photo ID, students ages 18 or younger may register for $60.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the top finishers. In-kind prizes will also be awarded for the Wacky Awards: Best Costume, Best Body Paint, Shortest Shorts, Most Awesome Shoes, Ugliest Shoes, and Craziest Hair.
“The Saipan community is in for an incredible weekend with about 500 runners from the home team and around the world turning out for Skechers Saipan Marathon,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We can all be proud of our world-class marathon — complete with international certification and professional timing, and we invite everyone to make our runners feel welcomed.”
Registration will close at 5 p.m. ChST on Thursday, and mandatory race packet pickup will be on March 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the American Memorial Park amphitheater in Garapan, Saipan.
Concepcion also reminded drivers of the new course this year.
“Due to construction on Beach Rd., the course will follow Chalan Pale Arnold or Middle Rd. in the southbound lane this year,” said Concepcion. “We ask drivers to exercise caution, drive slowly, and follow all traffic officer directions. And as always, we thank drivers for looking out for our race participants.”
Drivers are reminded that on Saturday morning, the outer southbound lane along Chalan Pale Arnold will be closed from Oleai north to As Matuis for the runners only. Drivers may still use the inner southbound lane with caution.
Race organizers also clarified to runners that the half-way cut-off point at 8:30 a.m. for the full marathon will be at the Winsco Store in San Roque on the return from Marpi.
Skechers Saipan Marathon is a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. The marathon is co- organized by the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics and is sanctioned under NMA rules and regulations.
Skechers is an Exclusive Title Sponsor of the race. Coca-Cola, Foremost, Subway, Powerade are Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors are Bridge Capital, IT&E, and Triple J Saipan. Silver Sponsors are United Airlines, Matson, The Athlete’s Foot, Boarderline, and All-Star Sporting Goods. Additional sponsors are American Memorial Park and Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The in-kind contributors are Westco, Bike Pro, M&E Enterprises Inc. Saipan, and Run Saipan. Aid stations will be provided by Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Bridge Capital, the office of Vice Speaker Joel Camacho, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, DFS T Galleria, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, MY WAVE Clubs of Marianas High and Hopwood Middle Schools, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, PDM Promoters, and Saipan World Resort.
Additional supporters are the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Parks & Recreation, Jeju Air, Veterans Affairs Office, and Marianas Health Services.
The race begin and end at American Memorial Park in downtown Garapan. It will start at 4:30 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for top finishers and by age division in the marathon. Participants will receive a limited edition official Saipan Marathon T-shirt, official Saipan Marathon medal, Certificate of Completion and one entry to the awards banquet on March 9 at Hyatt Regency Saipan. Additional guest fees for the awards banquet are $40 for ages 12 and up, $20 for ages 3-11.
For more information, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/78587/saipan-marathon-2024 or www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at (670) 664-3210 or [email protected]/.
