Cash, other prizes at CNMI Tourism Month Fun Run

Management and staff of the Mariana Visitors Authority wave in support of Marianas Tourism Month on March 6, 2022, at the MVA office in San Jose. (MVA)

Cash prizes await the fastest finishers and best tourism-costume creators at the Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run on Saturday, May 14.

The run, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, will award the Top 3 overall finishers for both male and female categories: $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. The best tourist costume contest will also award $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. Each participant will also receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win gift certificates from Sky Dive Saipan and Roil Soil Maoli (Indigo) concert. The first 300 participants on site will receive a “CNMI Tourism Month/Fit to Lead” T-shirt.

Race packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, May 13, from 5pm to 7pm at the Cave Shop located on Beach Road in Garapan adjacent to the Saipan Tribune building.

“We invite everyone to come celebrate Marianas tourism at this Saturday’s (May 14) fun run on Saipan. It’s a chance to show your support for the industry, while also supporting two worthy causes in our community,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “We also look forward to our upcoming activities on Tinian and Rota.”

Race proceeds will benefit the Diabetes Coalition and Run Saipan. Registration is $10, and available online at https://raceroster.com/events/2022/60364/fit-to-lead-5k-cnmi-tourism-month-fun-run. Participants may register in person at the MVA office at San Jose or the Office of the Governor at Capitol Hill during regular office hours or beginning at 6 a.m. on run day at the starting line.

The fun run will start at Garapan Fishing Base and follow Saipan Beach Road Pathway to the Japanese tank at Quartermaster Road intersection and back. The first wave of runners will start at 6:30am and the second wave at 7am.

The MVA is also holding a student logo contest. Students in grades 9-12 are asked to incorporate the slogans “Marianas Tourism Month” and “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” in their vision of the future of travel. Prizes are: $500 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Entries must be submitted with a parental consent form by 5pm on May 23, 2022. Rules and parental release forms are downloadable under Featured Events at www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianasor at www.mymarianas.com.

The public also has the chance to win Tourism Month tT-shirts and gift cards by correctly answering tourism-related trivia questions on radio stations Power 99 (97.5 FM) and KCNM-KZMI (103.9 FM)and cable station KSPN2.

The general public is invited to join the Tourism Month Cleanup on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Marpi. Participants will meet at 8am at the Last Command Post in Marpi.

On Rota, students of Sinapalo Elementary School will help beautify the island with a beach cleanup on May 13. Students will have a painting workshop on May 21 to learn various painting techniques and will then have the opportunity to win cash prizes for painting tourist attractions. Students of Dr. Rita Inos Jr./Sr. High School will receive a guided tour of historic siteson May 27.

Another two-day cleanup of major historical sites will be held on Tinian. Tinian youth, tour guides, and industry frontline workers will be a Tourist for a Day on May 25 and 27, receiving a guided tour of the island to learn more about Tinian’s tourist attractions. A photo contest highlighting the island’s natural, historical and cultural attractions is also beingh eld.

For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com, www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianasor contact MVA Community Projects specialist Jack Aranda at 1.670.664.3200/1orcommunityprojects@mymarianas.com. (PR)