Previous Story
60 Japanese sign up for Rota Blue
A rider negotiates the 40-kilometer bike course in the 21st Annual Rota Blue Triathlon held on Nov. 15, 2014. The 23rd Annual Rota Blue Triathlon will be held on Nov. 18 and is jointly organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, Rota Mayor’s Office, and Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan. (Contributed Photo)
Sixty athletes from Japan have already registered for the 23rd Annual Rota Blue Triathlon set for Nov. 18.
A long-time favorite of Japanese triathletes who return year after year to compete, this year the triathlon is also seeking to attract more competitors from Guam and neighboring countries.
According to Kiyokazu Onishi, president of Kiyokazu Fitness Club and co-creator of the Rota Blue Triathlon, triathlon magazine LUMINA and the nationwide Tokyo Broadcasting System are slated to cover the event.
“The return of the triathlon this year is good news for Rota, and we are very appreciative of the Rota Mayor’s office, Marianas Visitors Authority, and the community for the partnership,” said Onishi. “It’s a great exposure for Rota. We have even been approached by worldwide triathlon organization Ocean Lava to join their world series event.”
Rota Blue Triathlon is an annual signature event of the MVA.
“We’re looking forward to a great race on Nov. 18,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “We hope to see more athletes from The Marianas and Guam take advantage of this great reason to escape to Rota for an unforgettable race.”
The triathlon features two distances: A-type half-marathon distance, which includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, followed by a 40K rigorous biking course and a 10K run (no time limit); and B-type Olympic distance, which includes a 2K swim, followed by a 90K biking course and topped off with a 21K run (8-hour time limit). For team competitors, there will also be triathlon of the A-type distance, again with no time limit.
The pre-race briefing for all participants will be held on Nov. 17 at Rota Resort & Country Club at 6:30pm. Starting time for both distances is 6:30am at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted, while bike helmets are required. Registration fees are lower this year: $60 for A-type course solo competitors and $50 for each member in the team event. The fee for the B- type course is $80. The entry fee includes event T-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet.
For more information or an application, visit the Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ed Diaz at 1-670-664-3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com, or contact Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com. (MVA)
