Over 300 sign up for Saipan Marathon

Japanese Abe Masayuki celebrates his first place finish in the 50K event of last year’s Saipan Marathon. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

With the early bird registration deadline less than two weeks away, 347 runners have already signed up for the Saipan Marathon 2018 set for March 10.

Over $22,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including $4,000 each for first male and female finishers in the 50K course, $3,000 each for first male and female finishers in the full marathon course, $1,000 each for first male and female finishers in the half-marathon course, and $500 each for first male and female finishers in the 10K course.

Runners can now register on-line at www.webscorer.com. The Marianas Visitors Authority encourages all runners to register on or before early bird deadline (Feb. 12) for the best price and to guarantee inclusion in the official race booklet.

So far, registered runners hail from the Marianas, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Poland. Two separate registration pages are open and participants should register under their respective page at www.webscorer.com by searching Race ID no. 122827 for Saipan Marathon 2018 (U.S. & CNMI) registration or Race ID No. 122811 for Saipan Marathon 2018 (international) registration.

The courses are certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Major sponsors this year include: Delta Airlines, Northern Mariana Athletics, DFS Galleria, and Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas.

“We’d like to give a big ‘si Yu’use ma’ase yan ghilisou’ to our all contributors including Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hana Tours, Rainbow Wing Taiwan, Serenti Hotel, JC Tenorio Enterprises, Pacifica Insurance Inc., Kanoa Resort, Ideal Signs, Barrel from Korea, and Saipan Beach Hotel that are stepping forward to help make Saipan Marathon 2018 a success,” said MVA community projects specialist and lead event coordinator Ed Diaz. “Saipan Marathon just keeps getting bigger and better every year and it is the partnership of our sponsors, supporters, aid station groups, and other volunteers that make it possible.”

Early registration by Feb. 12 for the 50K and marathon is $55 for U.S. and CNMI participants and $45 for half marathon and 10K participants. The fee for high school and junior high school students (ID required) will be $30.

Registration by Feb. 23 for the 50K and marathon is $65 for U.S. and CNMI participants, and $55 for half marathon and 10K participants. The fee for high school and junior high school students will be $40.

Registration by March 8 for the 50K and marathon is $95 for U.S. and CNMI participants, and $85 for half marathon and 10K participants. The fee for high school and junior high school students will be $55. The last day to register for the event will be on March 8. 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 in person on March 9, from 4pm to 6pm at American Memorial Park, without exception. The races will start and finish at Micro Beach with the 50K event beginning at 4:30am, the full marathon at 5am, the half marathon at 5:30am, and the 10K at 6am. The cut-off time for the 50K and marathon will be 9:30am with runners in these event should be near the intersection of Navy Hill and Chalan Pale Arnold Road to continue their races.

Cash payments are accepted only at the MVA office located in San Jose, Saipan. For a direct link to the on-line registration site or for more information, contact Diaz at 1-670-664-3210 or send email to ediaz@mymarianas.com. (PR)