THE annual NMI Women’s 10km in-person run has been scheduled for March 26 while the virtual event will be held from March 8 to 31.
For the in-person event, Northern Marianas Athletics will use the Saipan Marathon course with the starting point at American Memorial Park near Hyatt, and the turnaround point at the G4S Security office in Oleai and back.
For the in-person event, the age divisions are U18, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, and 65-and-up.
Although the in-person event is open to women only, the virtual events are also for men and off-island competitors.
The virtual run divisions are Men’s and Women’s 5km, Male/Female 10km U18, Male/Female 5km U18, and 4x5km Relay.
During last year’s inaugural event, 105 women joined the event. This year, NMA secretary general Robin Sapong expects a bigger turnout, but he said they will limit the number of entries to less than 115.
Sapong added, “The in-person 10km will be a test run for our new timing system.”
The time to beat was set by Lily Muldoon who cleared the 10km distance last year with a finish time of 00:43:42 followed by Noriko Jim at 00:44:27 and Akiko Miller at 00:46:49.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month which aims to “highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.”
As for International Women’s Day, it will be celebrated Tuesday, March 8.
“We are promoting and celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day across the Oceania area with the worldwide theme, #BreakTheBias,” Sapong said.
“Imagine a gender equal world,” he added. “A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.”
