Wacky Awards at Saipan Marathon 2019

Runners dressed as bride and groom compete in last year’s Saipan Marathon. (Contributed Photo)

Wacky Awards await runners in Saipan Marathon 2019 that will hit the road on March 9.

The Marianas Visitors Authority will be offering cash and other prizes for the winners of several wacky categories: Best Costume (male and female); Craziest Hair; Most Awesome Shoes; Ugliest Shoes; and Shortest Shorts (male and female).

“A marathon is not just about blood, sweat, and tears; it’s also about bold colors, swag, and tiaras!” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We want everyone to have fun at next weekend’s Saipan Marathon, and we’re giving out some great prizes from our Wacky Awards sponsors to make that happen. Your imagination is the limit!”

The MVA will be looking at the 10K turnaround point for its top choice in each category. Winners will receive prizes from The Athlete’s Foot or All-Star Sporting Goods.

As of last week, nearly 750 runners have registered for the race. Registrants can link to online registration via www.mymarianas.com. They can register in the 10K, half marathon, and full marathon courses of MVA’s signature event. Runners will receive a finisher’s T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and entry to the marathon awards banquet at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Saipan Marathon has been certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), making it a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.

Joining the MVA as exclusive sponsors of this year’s marathon are Skechers, Powerade, and Northern Marianas Athletics. Platinum sponsors are IT&E, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Joint Marketing, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. Gold sponsors are Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Royal Travel, Saipan Computer Services, Saipan Apparel, and T Galleria by DFS. Silver sponsors are Grandvrio Resort Saipan, Deen International, The Athlete’s Foot, Boarderline, All-Star Sporting Goods, Skydive Saipan, Tokyo Jusen, Subway/Foremost/Coca-Cola, Joeten Shopping Center, and Real Estate Transaction Specialist Igawa Office.

Aid stations will be manned by Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Development Inc., Grandvrio Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Kanoa Resort, Coca-Cola/Foremost, Pacific Islands Club, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI), IT&E, Aqua Resort Club, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Tasi Tours Transportation, Saipan World Resort, and Marianas Base Camp.

Supporting agencies and companies are American Memorial Park, Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Div. of Parks and Grounds, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Public Lands, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Hawaiian Rock Products, and Marianas Health Services.

For more information, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Division at 1-670-664-3210 or communityprojects@mymarianas.com (PR)