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Run Saipan holds group run amidst pouring rain
A total of 25 Run Saipan members braved the pouring rain during their group run from Hyatt Regency Saipan to Saipan Computer Services and back last June 18.(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
It wasn’t the usual feral dogs nipping at the heels of Run Saipan members during their group run last June 18, as it was actually rain—of the cats and dogs variety—that particular morning that became the issue.
Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said the entire 5-kilometer run from the Hyatt Regency Saipan to Saipan Computer Services and back was done in the hard pouring rain. However, he said around 25 Run Saipan members pushed through with it because the following week majority of its members are either competing or volunteering in the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022.
“The group run was part of our monthly social runs. It was better to do it before the Games started for track and field activities and while athletes were in town. We got to see a few of the Papua New Guinea runners and greeted them. Seeing the high-level athletes train on Beach Road was truly inspirational. It was also our farewell run to our member Audrey Christly who is moving,” he said.
Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. and some members of the non-profit group pose for a group photo in the midst of the pouring rain last June 18. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Alaska native Christley won two Run Saipan races during her brief stay on Saipan. She topped the women’s division of the Saipan International School’s Gecko 5000 held last September in Marpi after she negotiated the 6-kilometer cross country route in 28:10.
The 43-year-old also won the 2nd Marpi Drag Race 5K last February after crossing the finish line in 23:50. The Marpi Drag Race 5K is named after illegal drag racing activities that used to occur in the area.
Dela Cruz said Run Saipan will be losing a fine runner in Christley.
“We will miss her and wish her the best. We thank her for all the support she has given the running club.”
Meanwhile, the Run Saipan president said this week will mark the deadline of the non-profit organization’s shoe drive that will benefit community members on Rota who will take part in a 5K fun run, dubbed Couch to 5K Run, that will be organized by the Northern Marianas College.
“Last call this week for our shoe drive. We got a lot more shoes than I thought we would get from the beginning,” he said.
Run Saipan said those who want to donate their extra pairs of running shoes to please bring them to NMC more specifically to the Office of the President.
