Previous Story
NMITFF offers fun on the run
|
Posted on Jan 09 2005
After treating the island athletes to team challenge of the Cross Island Relay, the Northern Marianas Islands Track and Field Federation is continuing to bring activities to the runners of the CNMI, as they have worked together with the Marianas Visitors Authority to bring back the 24th Annual Saipan Half Marathon and the 19th Annual 10-Kilometer Fun Run.
Formerly known as the MVA Buffalo Fun Run, the event is set to take place in the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 22. Both of the races will begin at the American Memorial Park promptly at 5:30am, but participants must check-in with officials for number assignment between 4:30am and 5:15am.
The half-marathon course will begin at the American Memorial Park, and continue southward along Beach Road through the villages of Garapan, San Jose, Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, and San Antonio. Runners will turn around upon reaching the San Antonio Beach Park, and return to the American Memorial Park for the finish line.
The 10-Kilometer Fun Run will also begin at the American Memorial Park, and travel southward along Beach Road through the villages of Garapan and San Jose, before turning around at Saipan Bowling near the headquarters of the Marianas Visitors Authority and returning to the American Memorial Park.
Runners will compete in one of the seven age groups, as men and women will fall into either the 12-and-under, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, or 60-and-over categories. The cost to enter the event is $25 before Monday, Jan. 17, and $30 afterwards, but the deadline for registration is Friday, Jan. 21.
An official will be stationed at each turn-around marker for check-off. Runners not checked off will be disqualified from the competition. Runners must also remain on the shoulder of Beach Road, which is closest to the beach at all times. Running anywhere else may result in a disqualification.
Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers. Runners placing in the overall category will not qualify for awards in their respective age division. The male and female first place finishers in each age division will each go home with an award.
For more information, please contact Ed Johnson at 664-3200, Elias Rangamar at 664-2500, or Kurt Barnes at 234-5498 ext.1348.
