Triple J returns as title sponsor of Hafa Adai 5K

Pacific Islands Club’s Glenn Policare, center, receives the ceremonial check donation for the PIC Saipan Hafa Adai 5K from Triple J employees yesterday in Beach Road, Garapan. (Contributed Photo)

More than 1,000 runners, walkers, joggers and strollers will hit the streets of San Antonio on April 9 to raise funds for the Northern Marianas Chapter of the American Red Cross during the 3rd Annual Pacific Islands Club Saipan Hafa Adai 5K.

PIC has organized the race since its inception in 2014; however, the Hafa Adai 5K would not be possible without an outpouring of support from the public and private sectors.

Triple J Motors has a long history of supporting events throughout the Marianas and general manager Randy Steele said his company renewed its partnership with PIC as the Hafa Adai 5K’s title sponsor to continue the tradition of community involvement.

“We are happy to be the returning sponsors for the Hafa Adai 5K. We know the runners who come out each year to support this annual run want to be happy, healthy, and make a difference,” Steele said. “Through this partnership with PIC, we’re able to offer them exactly what they want: a way to engage with our local community and make an impact long after they cross the finish line.”

Since its inception, the PIC Hafa Adai 5K has raised $16,000 for local non-profit groups. Last year, the event raised $10,000 for the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. This year, race proceeds will benefit the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross.

PIC Sports, Entertainment and Activities director Glenn Policare launched the PIC Hafa Adai 5K in 2014 as a way to promote physical activity and raise funds for local organizations. The race has since become one of PIC Saipan’s signature events.

While the Red Cross may be this year’s beneficiary, PIC has pledged an additional $1,500.00 in sporting equipment to be distributed to three local schools. According to event director Keoni Ichihara the elementary, middle, and high schools with the most paid participants in the PIC Hafa Adai 5K will take home the top prize.

“The kids really turn out for our annual students-only dodgeball tournament each fall,” Ichihara said, “but the PIC Hafa Adai 5K allows each and every student on Saipan to step up and represent their school.”

The elementary (grades 1-5), junior high/middle schools (grades 6-8) and high schools (grades 9-12) which have the most paid entries into the Hafa Adai 5K will earn their respective school some brand new sporting equipment. To date, more than 20 schools have registered participants into the 5K, including Agape Christian School, Dan Dan Middle School, Eucon, Garapan Elementary School, Grace Christian Academy, Gregory T. Camacho Elementary School, Hopwood Junior High School, Kagman Elementary School, Kagman High School, Koblerville Elementary School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Marianas High School, Mount Carmel School, Oleai Elementary School, Saipan Community School, Saipan International School, Saipan Southern High School, San Vicente Elementary School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Tanapag Junior High School, and William S. Reyes Elementary School.

“The more kids we have, the better,” says Activities manager Dion Camacho. “And you know they enjoy it because their smiles are easy to see when they’re covered in color!”

Registration for the event opens at 6:30am and the race starts at 7:30am. The 5KM course will start and finish at PIC Saipan and will feature five different coloring stations along the Beach Road route. Participants are encouraged to wear white attire so the full effect of the coloring stations can be seen post-race. Volunteers will be celebrating each runner’s arrival by greeting them with “holi powder;” a biodegradable mixture of corn starch and food coloring.

Registration fee is only $10 and entry forms are available at Triple J Motors on Beach Road, the PIC lobby, Gold’s Gym, Boarderline and the Marianas Visitors Authority. All completed entry forms must be turned in to the PIC front desk.

For more information, please contact Ichihara at 237-5147 or visit PIC website www.picresorts.com/saipan/. (PR)