More than 20 runners confirmed for marathon

With only two weeks of tapering separating the participants of Saipan’s first ever marathon along the island’s spine, race organizers are getting just as excited about the progress of preparations and confirmations.

So far, more than 20 runners have submitted their applications to do the full Monty at 3:30am on Saturday, Jan. 21, and conversations with some 30 participants from Korea and an unknown number of Japanese joggers are still in the works.

According to Northern Marianas Athletics president Kurt Barnes, organizers of the mega-trek to the poles of Saipan are expecting anywhere between 25-50 challengers to take the plunge.

There were also positive developments on the search for aid station support, as the Pacific Islands Club conveyed its interest in helping the endurance-testing runners along their way by manning one of the six vacant water stops along the 26.2-mile course.

Other members of the business community have stepped up to volunteer to be an integral part of the long distance event, as has the Commonwealth Health Center. Like they have for so many events in the CNMI, the CHC will have several volunteers located throughout the course ready to come to the aid of weary runners—complete with their main aid stations at the turn around points and at the finish line.

Acting Emergency Room manager Joey Camero said that CHC employees will be happy to volunteer their time for the race, and that they will once again provide any assistance needed.

While volunteering at the CHC has become routine, the similar practice by the Department of Public Safety may be coming to a close. DPS representative Val Hocog relayed the news that they will be charging the non-profit race a substantial fee for providing officers during the race.

In addition to the fee, DPS is requiring race officials to pay $10 per hour per officer for eight officers for their services.

The watchful eye of the DPS is crucial, as last year welcomed a combined 249 runners who made up the 24th Annual Saipan Half-Marathon and 10km races, but the increase in cost to the race has proven to be a bit much for planners.

Barnes announced some welcome news to this year’s runners, as the turnaround point for the half-marathon will be closer to home than originally planned, as the new location will be at the northern edge of the PIC’s property line as opposed to last year’s mark some 500m down the road.

Barnes also said that the exact location for the 10km turnaround will be across the street from Eric’s Air Conditioning on Beach Road instead of near the Oleai Bar and Grill.

The cost to tackle the longest race in the history of the CNMI is $35, and the fee for the half-marathon and 10km 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.