Positive reply from Japanese ‘Tagamen’

The 17th Tagaman Triathlon is now a thing of the past but reports of positive experiences are still pouring in from around the globe to praise the organizers and volunteers who showed up to support the triathletes who pushed themselves to their limits along the 2-kilometer swim, 60-km bike, and 15-km run course.

Pacific Development Inc. general manager Yoichi Matsumura relayed testimonials from a number of Japanese lured to the CNMI by Saipan’s sports tourism who were touched by the event and the people who made it happen.

Veteran racer Sekino-san said that he thoroughly enjoyed the race and was surprised by the number of volunteers and how enthusiastic they were all along the course.

“I really enjoyed racing my first Tagaman Triathlon and the way everyone turns out to show their support. The operation as well as the atmosphere of the Tagaman were excellent so that many of my fellow first time triathletes were impressed,” he said.

Sekino continued to say that the trip to Saipan for the Tagaman Triathlon was the best such excursion since he began racing 17 years ago.

“I felt Tagaman was the best triathlon I have ever participated in. It was my 17th year season for as a triathlete and I wondered why I have not participated Tagaman until now. I definitely wish to come back to Tagaman. Finally, I would like to extend my great appreciation to the people who have supported us,” he said.

Toshio Okazaki and Naomi Onishi also made their first trips to Saipan for the Tagaman, but the veterans from the of 3-km swim, 145-km bike, and 42.195-km run Kaike Triathlon in Japan said that they plan to tell the tales of Saipan’s race to their fellow races in the Tottori Prefecture.

“We had a wonderful four days on Saipan. We participated in Tagaman and cheered for Taga Kids participants. It was such a refreshing[ly] fun time to be so involved in the races. When we have a race in Japan, whether we organize or participate in it, most of the time we care too much about the regulations and forget to enjoy it. Tagaman reminded us about it, and we learned a lot of things from Tagaman,” said Okazaki.

The participants weren’t the only ones with good things to say about the experience. Ms. Hirai came to Saipan in order for her daughter to participate in the Taga Kids race and said that she hopes that the event continues so that she may return to watch her daughter race again.

“I had a very precious experience in Taga Kids I am very grateful for the staff and local people who were kind to me. I wish to keep challenging the wonderful sport of triathlon with my daughter” she said.