Saipan Marathon receives IAFF-AIMS certification

To gain greater international recognition for the Saipan Marathon 2017 on March 25, the Marianas Visitors Authority has successfully applied for and received race certification with the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

IAAF uses the measurement standards of AIMS, an association of over 400 race organizations in 100 countries and territories around the world. AIMS vice president and IAAF-AIMS Asia Pacific Course Measurement administrator Dave Cundy visited the Marianas on Feb. 2, 2017, to measure the 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, and 50K courses of Saipan Marathon 2017.

“Everything went smoothly during the measurement, and we are ecstatic about receiving Saipan Marathon certification just this morning,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “IAFF-AIMS certification opens a whole new world for us in terms of attracting more participants to our event here in The Marianas.”

The measurement is a collaboration of the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics. The MVA also recognized the Department of Public Safety for provided a safety escort along the roadway during the measurement, and Hyatt Regency Saipan for providing room accommodations.

The IAAF is recognized as the international governing body for all disciplines of Athletics, which includes road running.

“IAFF-AIMS certification is another example of how MVA Signature Events benefit both residents and visitors, alike,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “With this certification, the Saipan Marathon now becomes a qualifying event for Boston Marathon and other popular races around the world. It’s another great collaboration of the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics.”

As part of the measurement, minor adjustments were made to the course, and 5K markers were also identified.

Concepcion said the next step is for Saipan Marathon to apply as a full-fledged member of AIMS, which will open new avenues of marketing the signature event via the organization’s world-wide promotions.

Early marathon registration by Feb. 24, 2017, for U.S. and NMI participants is $55 for the 50K and marathon and $45 for half-marathon and 10K participants. The fee for high school and junior high school students is $30 (student I.D. required). An additional late fee of $10 will apply to registrations submitted after Feb. 24. The last day to register for the event will be on March 10, 2017, at 5pm. Registration will include the awards banquet, a finishers t-shirt, and a certificate of completion.

All competitors are required to pick up their race packets on March 24, 2017, at Paseo De Marianas, without exception. The start will take place at the American Memorial Park at 4am for the 50K and the Marathon, at 5am for the half-marathon, and at 5:45am for the 10K. The cut-off time for the 50K and marathon will be 8:30am at the intersection of Beach Rd. and Chalan Pale Arnold Rd.

Entry forms are available at the MVA office located on Beach Rd. in San Jose or on the MVA official website Event Calendar at www.mymarianas.com. For more information contact Ed Diaz at the MVA at 664-3210 or through email at ediaz@mymarianas.com.

The MVA will also host the first Ironman Saipan 70.3 on March 11 and XTERRA Saipan Championship on March 18, 2017. (MVA)