NMA-MISO Cross Country set for Oct. 25
Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization, in conjunction with Northern Marianas Athletics, will hold the first leg of the All School Open Cross Country Series on Oct. 25 4pm at the CPA Airport Field.
In addition, open registration is set for 8am on Oct. 22, trackside at the Oleai Sports Complex.
The other three events take place at the Civic Center on Oct. 29 (4pm), American Memorial Park on Nov. 5 (7am), and the final leg of the series is scheduled for Nov. 19 (3pm). The location of the championship event has yet to be determined.
Last season’s finale was held at the CPA Airport Field and featured over 50 participants. Hopwood Elementary School’s Reanita Kaipat, Rumina Litulimar and Jaylina Borja swept the U12 girls podium for the division title; they all ran a mile-long course in under nine and a half minutes.
Hopwood also swept both boys and girls U14 fields, which were both set at 2 miles. Hopwood’s Mikayla Lopez led the pack with a 15:24 post time ahead of her runner-up and teammate Tiuana Osuda (21:45).
Saipan Community School went home with top honors in the boys U12 division. Elnathan Wong’s second place overall finish clinched first place for his team in the Boy’s U12 division, while Hopwood’s Bereniel Taisacan took the gold medal with his 6:01 mark; Wong posted a 6:18 and Whispering Palms’ John Auther finished just four second back in third place.
SCS’ Haruya Eda (7:29), Noel Lim (7:31) and Yun Pyo Geon (9:01) swept the U10 boys division and Garapan Elementary School’s Joshalyn Flores won the U10 girls gold medal.
Marianas High School’s Michael Mancao (12:28), Danny Bai (13:08), and Beoch Ngirchongor (13:12) swept the podium in the two-mile U18 course.
MHS’ Reylynn Sapong (16:24) and Chris Obaldo (16:28) finished first and second in the Girl’s division ahead of Hopwood’s Corina Sudo (20:49); the U18 Giorl’s also ran on a two-mile course.
Other long distance events to look forward to feature the Turkey Trot Run up to Mt. Tapochao on Nov. 24 and the Christmas Island Relay from Pacific Islands Club to Marpi on Dec. 18.