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14 complete kids triathlon
Fourteen young athletes finished the kids triathlon race Saipan pro Mieko Carey organized last Saturday in Marpi.
The finishers list includes David Tsukagoshi, Jinnosuke Suzuki, Rintaro Miyawaki, Jinju Thompson, Soleil Lamar, Taiga Sato, Jasmine and Erin Frink, Michail and Michael Villagomez, Taka Borja, Wataru and Akira Kadokura, and Jen-nah Nelson.
Wataru Kadokura was the youngest finisher in the field at 5 years old that completed the 100-meter swim, 500m bike, and 700m run leg of the course, which was around the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool area. The swim leg started at the Marpi pool, while the run and bike legs took place around the pool area. Participants in the 8 to 10 age group did the 200m swim, 700m bike, and 800m run.
“We didn’t have any place. We gave all the kids first place and raffled off prizes from IT&E and Ride NMI,” Carey said.
“It was very nice to see kids who can use kick board. We all watched the bike and run legs held around the pool. The race was just fun and I think all kids and parents had a good time. Some kids walked, some pushed their bike, but all of them made it to the finish line and that’s the most important thing,” Carey added.
The Saipan pro will organize one more kids triathlon next month when she returns from XTERRA Japan.
“I am thinking of another kids triathlon at the end of next month. The kids enjoy the race a lot and I want to give them something to do this summer vacation besides swimming at the Marpi pool,” added Carey, who thanked IT&E, Mariana Resort, Ride NMI, and Saipan Swim Club for supporting the weekend race.
“I will start training for XTERRA Japan and after that race, the kids will have their turn here on Saipan,” said Carey.
XTERRA Japan will be held in Marunuma on Aug. 25 with Carey hoping to defend the women’s division title after failing to do so last year. The 2011 edition of XTERRA Japan was cancelled last year after an earthquake and subsquent tsunami hit Japan.
By Roselyn Monroyo
Reporter
