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Marathoners to run faster in 2007
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Posted on Oct 31 2006
There won’t be any substances flown in from BALCO or fancy sneakers with magical properties distributed at the starting line in January, but participants of the 2nd Saipan Marathon will certainly be running faster in 2007 as organizers are instituting a time limit for all finishers.
During Monday’s meeting in the conference room of the Marianas Visitors Authority, organizers of the long-distance race decided to officially limit the time in which all entrants must reach the finish line to seven and a half hours after the starting gun fires.
While runners will not be removed from the course if they fail to comply with the time limits, the organizers will adhere to the post-race banquet schedule based upon a uniform 11am cutoff time.
Last year, organizers and volunteers waited nearly nine hours for the final finishers to complete the full 26.2-mile course, whom missed the raffles that were held until they reached the American Memorial Park.
Organizers stepped up their efforts Monday by analyzing last year’s expenses and supply lists and itemized the needs of this January’s race. Everything from orange road cones to phosfluorescent and reflective wristbands for the early morning runners were discussed, but the planning is far from over.
The race returns to Saipan on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, but the full marathon is not the only challenge on the morning’s slate as the 26th Annual Half Marathon and the 21st 10km Fun Run offer worthy workouts as well.
The aerobic experts of Northern Marianas Athletics and the Marianas Visitors Authority will be charged with organizing the event once again, and one of the most important items still on the table is sponsorship.
The organizers of the event will be canvassing the community for in-kind, monetary, and volunteer assistance. Businesses interested in supporting the event can contact Ed Diaz at the MVA by calling 664-3210, and those who volunteer to support the runners by manning the aid stations and water stops along the course will be well fed in 2007.
