A total of 303 finish Saipan Marathon 2022

The 10K course of Saipan Marathon 2022 commences on April 9, 2022, in The Marianas. (MVA)

A total of 303 runners crossed the finish line of the Saipan Marathon 2022 last Saturday, April 9, successfully navigating their respective half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses.

The original 327 registrants included 304from The Marianas, 15 from U.S.A., four from Guam, and two from South Korea, plus two more. The breakdown by race are 86 individuals for the half-marathon, 122 for the 10K, and 119 for the 5K. It was an overwhelming young roster, with 13-17 being the largest age category.

The annual race is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, in partnership this year with Northern Marianas Athletics.

“Saipan Marathon 2022 was a great success, and we congratulate all the winners and thank all our sponsors and supporters, especially Northern Marianas Athletics,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “The local runners absolutely enjoyed the challenge, and it was especially exciting to see so many young people participate. aAs tourism continues to recover from COVID, we look forward to an even larger crowd next year.”

Based on official results released by NMA, topping the half-marathon men’s division was Ryan Matienzo of Guam in 1:19:01, while the women’s division was led by Lily Muldoon of in 1:35:15. In the 10K, perennial placer Keith Longuski of Northern Marianas placed first in 40:06, while Kaithlyn Chavez of Northern Marianas led the women’s division in 46:54. In the 5K, the men’s division was led by Cody Shimizu of Northern Marianas in 18:41, while Noriko Jim of Northern Marianas finished in 21:06 to lead the women’s division. Over$ 6,500 in cash prizes were awarded. Age division medals were also awarded.

A technical correction was made to initial timing results to correct place finishes.

Saipan Marathon returned this year after a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic. The race follows some of Saipan’s most scenic roadways, starting and ending at Micro Beach and American Memorial Park and providing stunning views of the azure0blue lagoon along the Beach Road. All participants received a finisher’s T-shirt, a certificate of completion via email, and entry to the awards banquet at Aqua Resort Club.

The event was sponsored by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. In-kind contributors are Century Hotel, Serenity Hotel, Aqua Resort Club Saipan and Kinpachi Restaurant. Aid stations were provided by Saipan World Resort, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Triathlon Association of the CNMI, IT&E, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan. Supporters are Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Public Works, American Memorial Park, Division of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Div. of Parks & Recreation, Marianas Health Services and Run Saipan.

The race was a World Athletics™-AIMS Certified Course, as World Athletics™ has agreed to extend the measurement certificates for another 12 months for the Saipan Half Marathon and 10K.

For more information about upcoming MVA signature events, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or on facebook.com/VisitTheMarianas. (PR)