Tagaman Triathlon set for March 21

An off-island athlete gets out of the water during the swim leg of the 2019 Tagaman Triathlon. (Contributed Photo)

The 2020 Tagaman Triathlon will be held on March 21.

Registration is available online at www.saipantriathlon.com or www.webscorer.com by searching the event name or Race ID 198830. The early bird registration fee through Jan. 14, 2020, is $95/solo and $225/team.

Tagaman is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority and aimed at attracting visiting athletes and media to the tropical shores of The Marianas. The event is co-organized by MVA and Triathlon Association of the CNMI.

“The MVA is pleased to again be partnering with TRAC in bringing Tagaman 2020 to the local and international triathlon community,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo.

“TRAC has done a tremendous job since our partnership began in continuing to provide a world-class race and unforgettable experience for the competitors, while also engaging more community support and volunteers in this annual signature event for The Marianas. We’re looking forward to another great race in 2020,” she added.

With its 2-kilometer swim, 60K bike, and 15K bike legs, Tagaman is named for the ancient indigenous Chamorro Chief Taga, renowned for his legendary feats of strength. Tagaman welcomes athletes of all levels and ages.

The starting point and swim leg will be at the Minachom Atdao in Susupe. Bikers will then transition at Kilili Pavilion parking lot in Susupe, head south to Airport Road, north to Banzai Cliff, and back south to Minatchom Atdao Pavilion for the finish line.

“Tagaman will continue to evolve as a unique triathlon on par with international event you can find elsewhere,” TRAC president Florence Antonio said.

Cash prizes await the Top 3 finishers in the women’s and men’s open categories: $1,000 for first place, $700 for second place, and $500 for third place. Medals and T-shirts will be awarded to all finishers.

Beginning Jan. 15, 2020, registration will jump to $135/solo and $245/relay team, while rates will again increase on Mar. 1, 2019, to $165/solo and $285/relay team. The last day to register is March 18.

Early sponsors for the 31st Tagaman triathlon are Kanoa Resort Saipan as the official hotel, Neo Timing System, and KFC Triathlon Club of Japan. Tagaman race series events to prepare for the main event will be announced in the coming months.

Japanese pro Yu Shinozaki is the defending champion in Tagaman after ruling the 2019 race, as he timed in at 2:48:39. In the women’s division, the 2019 winner was Guam’s Manami Iijima, who clocked in at 3:12:12. (PR)