Agape Christian School dominates Women’s 5K

Agape Christian School student, 16-year-old Sunny Wang, is first place in the 5K course of the Northern Marianas Athletics 3rd Annual Women’s Run 2023 last Saturday. (LEIGH GASES)

Agape Christian School lasses were the Top 3 runners of the 5K portion of the Northern Marianas Athletics 3rd Annual Women’s 10K Run 2023 last Saturday.

Sunny Wang led the pack with a 25:21 finish out of 35 participants—with 22 ACS students. The Top 10 was swept by the Torchbearers. 

Second was Emma Pang just 3 seconds after at 25:24. Barbara Wang completed the Top 3 with a time of 26:24.

In addition to the new 5K course, for the first time, a pram/stroller division was introduced in the race with Daisy Babauta finishing first with her baby at 44:07. Becky Mettao came in second with 46:04 and Shoko Celis finished third at 53:12.

For 16-year-old Sunny, even as she breezed through the finish line first, she said that she felt like she was going to throw up after. But as for the course, she felt that it was alright. “There was a cool breeze too so it was quite comfortable.” She added that she wasn’t in the lead the whole time but then later, found herself in front of her friends and in first place at the end.

ACS pastor Kok H. Pang said of the girls, “we are proud that the 22 Agape girls ran the 5K for a cause. Well done to the great effort they put in to achieve the results. Thank you NMA, Run Saipan, and for the hard work you have done to make this run possible.”

NMA general secretary Robin Sapong said after the event that the turnout was great. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of the community,” he said. 

As for the cause that some women ran for in support of awareness of domestic and sexual violence against women, he said “at the end of the day, we support these campaigns. So we’re pleased that some members approached us and we were more than happy to accept. That’s why we have this platform to ensure that there’s a place for them. It’s all about women’s equity and it’s part of our International Women’s Month celebration.”

NMA thanks the sponsors, donors, and partners of the event which are Marpac Michelob Ultra, Run Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Triple J Inc. Saipan, IT&E, and volunteers.

Winners of the age groups in the 10K race will be posted in the next editions of Saipan Tribune. The awards presentation is today at 5:30pm at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field.