RUN Saipan’s Grotto 10K ’25 tested the speed and endurance of participants of all ages, with 17-year-old Takeru Jim and 55-year-old Akiko Miller reigning supreme as they claimed first place in their respective divisions at the Grotto in Marpi on Saturday.
The course had runners navigate an out-and-back semi-flat route that began at the Grotto, passed the Bird Island Lookout, and reached a turnaround point just past Kalabera Cave before returning.
Throughout the race, Takeru Jim, Jordan Ruiz, and James Munnis pushed each other as they battled for the lead. In the final leg, it was Jim who pulled ahead, finishing strong as the overall and male division winner with a time of 00:45:04. Ruiz followed in second place at 00:46:02, with Munnis in third at 00:46:25.
Joining Jim atop the podium was Akiko Miller, who displayed dominance by pacing herself among the men. She finished first in the female division and third overall with a time of 00:46:25.
Heather Brook came in second with a time of 00:52:14, followed by Krista Hawley in third at 00:52:29.
Also sharing the spotlight were the age group winners:
35–39 age group
Male: Matthew Giovannoni (00:51:02), followed by Luis Crisostomo Jr. (01:58:14)
Female: Bao-Ngan Ngo (01:14:59), Solly Takai (01:46:41), Sandy Leon Guerrero (01:53:50)
40–44 age group
Male: Christopher Racine (00:55:25)
Female: Terra Allen (00:54:20), Soledad Tenorio (01:05:01), Lucinda Johnson (01:29:06)
45–49 age group
Male: Ken Johnson (01:05:50)
Female: Rosemarie Chisato (00:56:04), Shiela Isla (01:13:04)
50–54 age group
Male: Matthew Furan (00:54:07), James Abuy (00:55:05), Ferdinand Santos (01:09:14)
Female: Chen Qiu Xiang (01:01:36)
55–59 age group
Male: Quindoza Ronaldo (01:16:54)
Female: Mei Jin (01:04:23), Marilou Carlos (01:09:14), Jin Zi Wen (01:12:00)
60–64 age group
Male: Floro Derexes (01:39:06)
65–69 age group
Female: Juanita Fajardo (01:36:09)
Run Saipan would like to thank the Office of Rep. Elias Rangamar; Director Michael Cruz and his staff at Parks and Rec; Commissioner Anthony Macaranas and his staff at the Department of Public Safety; John Lee of Cha Café; MHS Run Club; Northern Marianas Athletics; the volunteer staff; and Marianas Variety “for always sharing our stories.”
Akiko Miller smiles as she leads the female division race of Run Saipan’s Grotto 10K ‘25 on Saturday.
Photo by Jon Sugutan
Takeru Jim pushes through during Run Saipan Grotto 10K ’25 on Saturday.
Photo by Jon Sugutan
Participants pose for a group photo before the start of Run Saipan’s Grotto 10K ’25 on Saturday.
Photo by Jon Sugutan
