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458 join Marianas Sunset Fun Run
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- Saipan Mayor David Apatang addresses participants before the start of the Marianas Sunset Fun Run on Jan. 20, 2017, at Garapan Fishing Base, Saipan. (Contributed Photo)
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- Joedy San Nicholas and Tapio were among the many dog lovers and dogs who joined the Marianas Sunset Fun Run. (Contributed Photo)
Four hundred fifty-eight runners and walkers put man’s best friend first as they took to the Beach Road Pathway during last Jan. 20’s Marianas Sunset Fun Run, a fundraising event organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and benefiting stray animal control.
In addition to a rush of last-minute registrants that left volunteers surrendering their complimentary T-shirts to participants, the MVA has decided to match the funds raised from registration fees, doubling the total donation the Saipan Mayor’s Dog Control Program to $4,560.
“Wow, we are just overwhelmed with the tremendous outpouring of support for the run,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We had less than 200 registrants on Thursdaya nd ended up with double that amount on Friday.”
The Marianas Sunset Fun Run was held to mark the end of the yearlong celebration of the MVA’s 40thanniversary.
“Some of the participants came in support of the MVA and tourism, some came to show their support and love for dogs, and everyone ended up a winner,” said Concepcion. “We ran out of complimentary T-shirts and participants overflowed from the pathway onto the bike lane on Beach Road. What a great show of support!”
Top male finishers in ranking order were: Allan Zhao Chenxi (19:25), Nehemiah Fernandez (20:10), Taro Aikawa (20:11), Kosuke Sato (20:22), and Taro Kubo (20:34). Top female finishers in ranking order were: Mari Narita (21:12), Ella Zhang (21:26), Emily Northrop (22:24), Sakiko Eda (23:02), and Elena Gersonde (25:01).
T-shirts provided by the MVA and TanHoldings Corp. were distributed to registrants while supplies lasted. Taste of the Marianas tokens were awarded to the first five male and first five female finishers. Also, the first 40 registrants under 18 received a Saipan-da backpack.
Joining event organizers MVA and Saipan Mayor’s Office as supporters were: Bridge Capital, DFS Galleria, IT&E, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA)/Tasi Watch Rangers, Marianas Tourism Education Council (MTEC), Tan Holdings Corp., Triathlon Association of the CNMI (TRAC), and U.S. Marine Corps recruiting office,
The MVA’s next sporting event will be IRONMAN 70.3 Saipan in March 11, 2017. (PR)
