Over 800 complete races in Saipan Marathon

The 2018 Saipan Marathon 2018 held last March 10 was the largest ever, attracting 931 registrants with 811 making it to the finish line on race day.

The turnout included 390 runners from The Marianas, 195 runners from China, 146 runners from Korea, 126 runners from Japan, 10 runners from Guam, and four runners from Taiwan.

“Saipan Marathon 2018 was really all about ‘more’ this year,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “More advanced planning by our Community Projects team allowed our off-shore offices to conduct more promotions. Registration became more accessible through our first-ever online registration. And thanks to more sponsorship, we gave out more cash prizes than ever! It was a tremendous success!”

Over $22,000 in cash prizes were distributed at the awards ceremony held that evening at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan beachside.

Masayuki Abe of Japan repeated his 2017 winning form to lead the men in the 50K course (3:30:27), while hometown favorite Mamiko Berger (4:10:02) led the women’s. Each runner ran away with $4,000 cash and other prizes.

Noriyasu Oda (3:37:51) of Japan topped the men’s bracket in the full marathon, while Heather Taylor (3:43:27) of The Marianas led the women. Each earned $3,000 and other prizes.

Genta Saito (1:22:48) of Japan made a quick victory in the half marathon before catching a flight a few hours later to return home. Noriko Jim (1:45:38) of The Marianas put on the best show in the women’s bracket. Each took home $1,000 cash and other prizes.

Sungchang Park (00:37:45) of Korea blitzed his way to top the 10K course, while compatriot Yunmi Lee (00:45:46) led the Women. Each won $500 and other prizes.

Additional prizes were awarded for the Top 6 overall finishers of each course and the top finisher in each age category. Prizes were also given for the Craziest Hair, Best Costume, Most Awesome Shoes, Shortest Shorts, and Ugliest Shoes.

The marathon was certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Major sponsors this year were Delta Airlines, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, DFS Saipan Limited, and Northern Marianas Athletics.

Aid stations were manned by Mariana Resort & Spa, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Imperial Pacific Int’l, Pacific Development Inc., Tasi Tours, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Kanoa Resort, Saipan World Resort, IT&E, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

The event was also supported by Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Public Lands, Div. of Parks & Grounds, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Hawaiian Rock Products, and Marianas Health Services.