United Guam Marathon names event envoys

The United Airlines Guam Marathon named Derek Mandell, Rhea Macaluso, Manami Iijima and Leo Tkel as this year’s local event ambassadors. From left, Mandell, United Airlines Guam Marathon spokesperson Carmela Tyquiengco, Macaluso, Iijima, and Tkel. The marathon is set for April 9. For more information, go to unitedguammarathon.com. (United Airlines Guam Marathon)

TUMON, Guam—Guam Sports Events Inc. has named the local event ambassadors of this year’s United Airlines Guam Marathon.

“We are proud to announce that Manami Iijima, Rhea Macaluso, Derek Mandell and Leo Tkel have been named as our first local event ambassadors of the United Airlines Guam Marathon,” said Ben Ferguson, managing director of GSE. “These dedicated and experienced runners have graciously been sharing some valuable running tips through the UGM monthly e-newsletter. These individuals are ideal representatives for our event because they are so giving of their time and each one has a keen interest in promoting running from both a competitive and wellness standpoint.”

Carmela Tyquiengco, the spokesperson for the United Airlines Guam Marathon, is also looking forward to working with the event ambassadors.

“Manami, Rhea, Derek and Leo will bring the event to an even higher level,” Tyquiengco said. “They are helping to make the event fun for runners of all levels.”

Iijima, a Maite resident, shares how she is preparing for the half marathon on social media. She posts food and training pictures on Instagram as @manamiruns. People also can ask her for insights or tips on Facebook.

Macaluso, a Chalan Pago resident, is still deciding between the 10K and half marathon.

“I am a Paradise Fitness Center athlete, and we will be starting a running club to help our members train for this event,” Macaluso said. “Details for the running club will be posted on my social media account rhea.macaluso (Instagram) or @paradisefitness.”

Mandell, a Chalan Pago resident, is deciding between the full marathon and half marathon. He is trying to find a day of the week to host group runs. People can email him for quick running tips at derek@werunguam.com.

Tkel, who is preparing for the full marathon, welcomes runners to join him and his friends as they train. “We run every Sunday starting at 5am at the Pacific Islands Club parking lot,” the

Barrigada resident said. “We’ll be more than happy to share some tips and guidance.”

The United Airlines Guam Marathon, in its fifth year, is organized by Guam Sports

Events Inc., a nonprofit organization that hosts annual running and cycling events to promote Guam’s hafa adai spirit to grow sports tourism in Guam. The United Airlines Guam Marathon, Guam’s first IAAF approved marathon race, will take place on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Considered Guam’s premier running event, the UGM includes 5K, 10K, half marathon (13.1 miles) and marathon (26.2 miles) race distances. All courses have been officially certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. This designation means that marathon runners may use this as a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Complete event details and registration can be found on the official event website at unitedguammarathon.com. The UGM is also sponsored by the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Pacific Islands Club. (PR)