Tang brothers top youth age groups in mile run

Simon Tang topped the 18-and-under division of the Run from ‘22 Mile Race held last Saturday in Marpi. Also in photo is Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A couple of brothers dominated the youth divisions of the Run Saipan’s second 1-mile race dubbed Run from ‘22 Mile Race on New Year’s Eve last Saturday from the Buddhist Temple in Marpi to the former Mariana Resort & Spa.

Fifteen-year-old Simon Tang and brother, 12-year-old Eamon Tang ruled the two youth divisions in the fastest and last race of the year. Simon clocked in with a time of 5:06 and Eamon clocked in at 7:52.

In the 18-and-under division, Rex Pixley was 4 seconds behind Simon with a time of 5:10. Theodore Rodgers completed the Top 3 with a time of 5:33.

Eamon Tang topped the 14-and-under division of the Run from ‘22 Mile Race held last Saturday in Marpi. Also in photo are Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr., left, and board member Robin Sapong. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

In the 14-and-under division behind Eamon, is Beau Bauer with a time of 8:14.

Simon, originally a tennis player, said about the race, “The race felt very competitive, having to run with the open felt like a good experience. This race was my PR, mainly because of the course. The course was breezy and was especially easy since it was downhill.”

The sophomore at Saipan Southern High School added, “I certainly did not think I would’ve topped my division, especially with the other very experienced runners in my age group.”

His brother, Eamon, said for his part, “It felt easy going through the race. I was running [a] 5K pace as the race felt shorter and easier than expected.”

“Even though I didn’t run an all-out mile pace, it still was my PR. This is one of my first races as I’m not originally a runner. The race felt easy and much faster than I expected, since it was downhill,” said Eamon.

When asked if he expected to top his division, he said “I didn’t before the race, but not many joined my age division, so I expected to finish highly.”

For the inaugural baby stroller division, Kerri Bauer and her 5-month-old baby were the lone participants and clocked in at 8:22.

The mother of four told Saipan Tribune, “I think it’s great to have a division for moms and dads who want to include their little ones in the races. I do most of my training with my kids so why not include them on race day. I have four kids total [ages] 9, 7, 5, and then a 5-month-old, so my older kids are able to run now too.” Her son, Beau, was second in the 14-and-under division.

When asked about the inclusion of the division, she said “I hope this continues and more parents can see that they don’t have to stop or they can start competing with their kids in strollers. It helps kids to see how strong we are as parents,” said Bauer.

In the men’s open age division, all runners came in under 6 minutes with Sildrey Veloria leading the way with his 5:04 time; Jalen Lucido clocked in second at 5:39; and Aaron Pamintuan ran a 5:50 mile.

Jeane Bracken topped the women’s open age division at 9:10; followed by Arriane Antonio with 9:17; and Heather Camacho at 10:07.

The men’s age group of 45-49 was won by Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero with a time of 6:43; the women’s age group was led by Rosemarie Chisato with a time of 6:34 and Ann Bang behind her at 6:51.

Matthew Furan topped the men’s 50-54 age group with a time of 5:43; Roger James Sardea clocked in at 6:21; and James Abuy came in at 8:52.

In the women’s 50-54 age group, Jessica Ortizo sped through at 6:58; Elizabeth Church had an 8:12 mile; and Leonora Abuy clocked in at 8:51.
Dr. Ron Snyder and Kim Church are the lone participants of the 55-59 age group and came in at 9:10 and 9:05 respectively.

For the 60-year-old and up age group, barefoot runner Chong Nam Lee came in at 5:46; Edgar Abalos had a 6:39 mile; and Paul Khang came in after at 6:59.