450+ show support at Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run

Brennan Chisato, left, and Shaina Chisato, second right, won first place in the Best Tourist Costume Contest during the Fit-to-Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run last May14. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A total of 459 participants turned out early Saturday  morning in Saipan to show support at the Fit to Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run, which was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in collaboration with the Office of the Governor.

The Top 3 overall finishers for both male and female categories received cash prizes of $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. Topping the male category were Dev Bachani (18:27.39), edging out Keith Longuski (18:27.98) and followed by Kosuke Sato (19:00.51). Frontrunners in the female category were Akiko Miller (20:37.07), who came down to the wire with Denis Myers (20:38.72), with Kathlyn Chavez in third (27:39.13).

The Best Tourist Costume prize was awarded to Shaina Chisato and Brennan Chisato, dressed as a tourist family with valid passports. In second place was “tourist boy” Danny Cheng, and third place was Mustang rental car Julie Hall. The winners were awarded $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.

“On behalf of the MVA and our tourism partners, we extend a huge si Yu’us ma’ase and ghilisou to everyone who came out to show support for the industry at Saturday’s Fit to Lead Marianas Tourism Month Fun Run, Run,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo.

“Tourism creates jobs, allows businesses and the government to generate revenue, and creates numerous other opportunities that make our islands a better place to visit and do business. It’s encouraging to see so many people turn out to celebrate Tourism Month and all it means to see some many people turn out to celebrate Tourism Month and all it means to our community.”our community.”

The fun run was also supported by Run Saipan, Tan Sui Lin Foundation, Lady Diann Run Saipan, Tan Sui Lin Foundation, Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Tan Holdings Corp., Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Public Lands & Natural Resources, Adztech, D&Q, Pho Tam, Island Café, Roil Soil, ELands & Natural Resources, Adztech, D&Q, Pho Tam, Island Café, Roil Soil, E–Land Group Land Group (Kensington Hotel Saipan, PIC Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort), Helios Engineering Group, United (Kensington Hotel Saipan, PIC Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort), Helios Engineering Group, United Filipino Organization, Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, Bicol Association, Chamorro Island Foods, Garapan Farmers Market, The Shack, Latte Built, Puerto Rico Bento, Northern Marianas Athletics, and FitBeat.

The fun run started at Garapan Fishing Base and followed the Saipan Beach Road Pathway to the Japanese tank at Quartermaster Road intersection and back. The first wave of runners started at 6:30am and the second wave at 7am. Each participant also received a raffle ticket for a chance to win various prizes. The first 300 participants on site also received a “CNMI Tourism Month/Fit to Lead” T-shirt.

Race proceeds will benefit the Diabetes Coalition and Run Saipan.

The MVA is also holding a student logo contest. Students in grades 9-12 are asked to incorporate the slogans “Marianas Tourism Month” and “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” in their vision of the future of travel. Prizes are: $500 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Entries must be submitted with a parental consent form by 5pm on May 23, 2022. Rules and parental release forms are downloadable under Featured Events at www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianasor at www.mymarianas.com.

The public also has the chance to win Tourism Month T-shirts and gift cards by correctly answering tourism-related trivia questions on radio stations Power 99 (97.5 FM) and KCNM-KZMI (103.9 FM) and cable station KSPN2.

The general public is invited to join the Tourism Month Cleanup on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Marpi. Participants will meet at 8am at the Last Command Post in Marpi.

Rota students will have a painting workshop on May 21 to learn various painting techniques and will then have the opportunity to win cash prizes for painting tourist attractions. Students of Dr. Rita Inos Jr./Sr. High School will receive a guided tour of historic sites on May 27.

Another two-day cleanup of major historical sites will be held on Tinian. Tinian youth, tour guides, and industry frontline workers will be a “Tourist for a Day” on May 25 and 27, receiving a guided tour of the island to learn more about Tinian’s tourist attractions. A photo contest highlighting the island’s natural, historical and cultural attractions is also being held. (PR)