Villafria tops Family Easter Fun Run

 Veteran runner Ronald Villafria finished the Garapan Community Development Center’s Easter Fun Run in a time of 23:39 to claim the top prize in the 3-mile open division last Saturday along Beach Road.

Just under 30 participants turned out to compete in the open, youth, junior, and family divisions of the event organized by the Division of Youth Services.

They all trekked south from the Garapan Basketball Court along Beach Road to the Quartermaster Road intersection and back.

While Villafria had the fastest time of the day, Dixon Kwon turned in a suprisingly swift time of 30:26 for a respectable second place showing.

He as well as all first place finishers received prize packages made up of a $25 gift certificate from National Office Supply and various grocery items.

The Top 2 place finishers of each division also were presented with prize medals.

Kwon was awarded an IT&E gift bag and a free water park pass at Pacific Islands Club.

The open division was originally open to runners ages 20 to 60, however 16-year-old Kwon stepped up to the challenge.

Youth division winner Kyle Rios, who just turned 13 last month, was right on Kwon’s heels at the finish line and turned in a time of 30:31. Taka Borja took second place with a time of 43:30.

The youth division was open to runners ages 13 and below.

Marianas High School track member Jillana Arada finished the course in 37:40 for top honors in the junior girls division, while her teammate Ann Jeline Manabat settled for second place less than four minutes later after crossing the finish line in 41:15. The junior field was made up of runners ages 14 to 19.

The family division consisted of teams of four and the Borja family made up of Horimoto and Yoko with siblings Taka and Ichiro took home the top prize.

In related news, the GCDC is gearing up for its 1st Anniversary Bash, scheduled for May 6 in Garapan. The event will run all day from 10am to 6pm.

The celebration will feature a mini car show where entrants can compete in the “Best in show” and “Sound off” categories.

Some local elementary student will also compete in a dance off competition and GCDC’s current girls basketball league will have its champion crowned.

The girls caging has been undergoing exhibitions matches, however its post season tournament tips off next Friday in Garapan after which the two finalists will be determined heading into the May 6 finale, which is slated for 4pm.

Other forms of entertainment are also expected to be provided as well as various food vendors.

The GCDC would like to thank House vice speaker Felicidad Ogumoro and Rep. Edmund Villagomez for their continued support of their cause.

For more information, contact the GCDC at 233-8978.