Early bird signup deadline for Saipan Marathon

The next registration deadline before fees increase for Saipan Marathon 2018 is this Friday, Feb. 23.

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s (MVA) signature event will be held on March 10 and fees for 50K and marathon are $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 is $40.

Registration after Feb. 23 for the 50K and marathon will increase to $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.

As of Feb. 12, 477 runners have registered for the race, including 195 from China.

“We have been strategizing in all our source markets on the best ways to reach and register more runners, and we are seeing stronger results from China, especially, as a result of those efforts,” said MVA managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We also continue our heavy promotions in Japan, where most of our racers have traditionally hailed from. Overall, we are looking for a very strong turnout this year.”

For the first time, the MVA is providing online registration on its official website in China—the www.mymarianas.cn. Marianas tourism partners throughout the country have developed marathon-themed travel products, with major partners Dynasty Holidays, Century Tours, and Shenzhen Professional Workers International Travel Service each attracting dozens of runners. Travel agencies in secondary cities are also promoting the event, and Asiana Airlines and HK Express are promoting race registration on their social media accounts. Running and marathon platforms including Joyrun, ZX42195, Zuicool, iRanshao and Sina Sports have collectively reached over 25 million people with their recruitment efforts, and the MVA also launched a Facebook campaign on Feb. 14 with HK Express targeting Hong Kong

Registered runners also hail from The Marianas, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Poland, and Guam.

Over $22,000 in cash prizes will be awarded after the race, 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.

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 Marathon2018 (international) registration. The marathon is 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. Platinum sponsors are IT&E and Hyatt Regency Saipan. Gold sponsors are Ideal Signs and HK Express. Silver sponsors Pacifica Insurance, JT Tenorio Ent., Serenti Hotel, Hana Tour Service Inc., Taiwan Rainbow Wings Ing., BARREL Korea, Saipan Beach Hotel, and Kanoa Resort.

Aid Stations will be manned by Mariana Resort & Spa, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Imperial Pacific International, Pacific Development Inc., Tasi Tours, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Kanoa Resort, Saipan World Resort, IT&E, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

The event is also supported by Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Public Lands, Div. of Parks & Grounds, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Hawaiian Rock Products, and Marianas Health Services.

All competitors are required to pick up their race packets in person on March 9, from 4 to 6pm at the American Memorial Park, without exception. The race will start and finish at Micro Beach. Start time are at 4:30am for the 50K; 5am for the full marathon; 5:30am for the half marathon; and 6am for the 10K. The cut-off time for the 50K and marathon will be 9:30am and runners should be near the intersection of Navy Hill and Chalan Pale Arnold Road by that time.

Individuals wanting to make cash payments may register in person at the MVA office located on Beach Road in San Jose, Saipan (no checks accepted). For a direct link to the on-line registration site or for more information, visit www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA community projects specialist Ed Diaz at 1-670-664-3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com. (PR)