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Rota Blue Triathlon scheduled for Nov. 15
A participant in 20th Rota Blue Triathlon smiles as he crosses the finish line. (Contributed Photo)
Regional and international triathletes are expected to return for the annual Ironman event, featuring the pristine, tropical environment, and warm island hospitality of the island of Rota.
The triathlon features two distances: an A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5K swim, followed by a 40K rigorous biking course and a 10Krun (no time limit) and the B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2.0K swim, followed by a 90K biking course, and topped off with a 21K run (8-hour time limit). For team competitors, there will also be triathlon of the A-type distance, again with no time limit.
The event is also sponsored by Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan and the Rota Mayor’s Office. Japanese competitors swept all winning spots in the triathlon last year where 111 triathletes competed.
“There’s something special about Rota, the natural beauty of the island, its relaxed atmosphere, and the welcoming nature of the residents. All these put together make the Rota Blue Triathlon a race that many competitors return to, year after year,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas. “We look forward to welcoming back all repeat competitors and new competitors on Nov. 15 for a race to remember.”
Pre-registration will be held on Nov. 14, from 11am to 12:30pm at the Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar. The swim course inspection will be held the same day from 1-2pm at the East Harbor. Final registration will take place that evening from 4:30-8pm at Rota Resort & Country Club’s Sunset BBQ Tiki Tiki. The pre-race briefing for all participants will be held that evening at 6:30pm.
Starting time for both distances is 6:30am at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted, while bike helmets are required. Registration fees are $80 for A-type course solo competitors and $70 for each member in the team event. The fee for the B-type course is $100. The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet at East Harbor.
The annual Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the Northern Mariana Islands. The three others are XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and the Tinian Turquoise Blue events.
For more information about the annual Triathlon, please contact MVA community projects specialist Ed Diaz at 1-670-664.3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com, or Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327. (MVA)
