Saipan Marathon logo released

The organizers of Saipan’s first ever marathon have gone to great lengths to ensure that runners from across the region will enjoy the longest distance event in the CNMI, and they continued their efforts last week when they released the logo for next month’s event during their meeting at the Marianas Visitors Authority headquarters in San Jose.

Representatives from local hotels, athletic associations, government agencies, and volunteer groups were on hand as organizers unveiled the design of the 26.2-mile race.

The group of planners received more good news in the conference room as 16 businesses—including Saipan Shipping, Co., CTSI Logistics, GIG Discotheque, Saipan Sunset Cruise, Inc., Fiesta Hotel, Saipan Sea Ventures, Sea Star, Inc., Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Pacific Islands Club, Century insurance Co., Ltd, Budget Rental Car, The Visitor’s Channel, Caronel Watch Center, Pacific Micronesia Tours, Island Apparel, and Duty Free Shoppers—pledged their support.

After years of luring runners from Japan and Korea to compete in the now famous 13.1-mile Saipan Half-Marathon, the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics (formerly the Northern Marianas Islands Track and Field Federation) are little more than a month away from doubling the distance for the ultimate endurance challenge.

Organizers are still looking to local businesses for support in their new venture, and all agreed that the cooperation of the community is imperative to host such a major event.

The marathon is not the only event taking place in the wee hours of Saturday, Jan. 21, as organizers continued the planning phases of the 25th Saipan Half-Marathon (formerly the Kintetsu Half-Marathon) and 10km race.

NMA president Kurt Barnes said that he’ll consider the marathon portion of the event successful if somewhere between 23-30 runners opt for the challenge that will take them from “Finisher’s Street” at the American Memorial Park to Marpi for the first turn around before sending them back along Beach Road to the PIC and back for the home stretch.

The cost to tackle the longest race in the history of the CNMI is $35, and the fee for the half-marathon will remain the same at $25, but in an effort to curb the rush of last minute entries, organizers are adding a $10 fee to anyone not registered for either of the three races by Friday, Jan. 13, at 5pm. Registration will, however; remain open with the penalty pricing until the following week on Friday, Jan. 20, at 5pm.

History will be set in January when the top three runners in the male and female division take the tape as first ever finishers.

Last year, Jung Young Kim and Marcan Aldan topped the 215-runner field during the 24th Annual Saipan Half Marathon & 19th Annual 10-kilometer Fun Run respectively, and this time around the top three male and female finishers winners of the 21.1km and 10km as well as the age groupers in the 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 and above will be rewarded.

For more information about the Inaugural Saipan Marathon, the 25th running of the Saipan Half-Marathon, or the 10km, contact Ed Diaz at MVA by calling 664-3210, or NMA president Kurt Barnes by calling 235-5853 or via email at kurtproa@yahoo.com.