Time change for NMITF Enticer Triathlon

As the weeks have counted down to days before the third event of the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation’s Enticer Triathlon series, organizers have made a slight change to the schedule of this weekend’s event, and are still looking for people to challenge themselves by either participating as an individual competitor or by joining a team.

Rather than getting started later in the day, organizers have pushed up the start time to 3pm and the registration time to 2:15pm in hopes of having more time to enjoy the barbeque social following the completion of the races. Registration will close at 2:45pm, and all participants are advised to get to the beach early.

The NMITF is getting some support from a familiar face in the local community, as this time the Duty Free Shoppers is a co-sponsor for the race, now renamed the DFS Galleria Sprint Race this Saturday, Jan. 15, at Pau Pau beach.

Competitors from the previous races will be increasing their distances to their longest yet, as the Enticer lengths are stretched to the 600-meter swim, 15-kilometer bike, and 4-kilometer run of the sprint distance.

In addition to the distance of the abbreviated Enticer race, there will be a double-sprint distance of a 1,200m swim, 30km bike, and 8km run to serve as a female qualifier for the South Pacific Mini Games triathlon team and as a longer event for those who need a tune-up for the Olympic-distance Tinian Triathlon on Feb. 19.

While the double-distance race may appear a bit daunting to some of the up-and-coming rookies in the series, race director Sue Knecht explained that the challenge would be worth the effort exerted.

“As a note of encouragement to all those worried about this longer distance in the series, just think of it as a long work out and just have fun. Train to complete the race, and use the rest of the month to train to compete!” said Knecht.

There is an additional option available for those favoring the run or swim portions of the course, as teams have been permitted and encouraged throughout the series. According to Knecht, there are a number of prospective racers who are interested in either swimming, biking, or running as a part of a team, but the greatest need is for runners who are willing to brave the 8km stretch of the double distance.

Knecht said that the NMITF is always looking for people to lend a hand for their races, and that this time they will be needed more than they have in the previous two enticers. “Volunteers are also sought to help out, so if you can bring a guest to help, please do!”

The NMITF officials specifically put together the beginners’ series to prepare newcomers to tackle the Tinian Triathlon. When the triathlon across the channel comes to a close, they will award a free entry to the Tagaman Triathlon in April to the most promising rookie of the series.

This won’t be the only NMITF activity of the month, as runners will have plenty of time to stretch their legs before the Marianas Visitors Authority Half Marathon and 10K race at the American Memorial Park on Saturday, Jan. 22.

It is mandatory that all riders wear protective helmets, and it is recommended that racers plan on arriving at least an half-hour prior to the start of the race in order to set up their bikes, gear, and have a small warm-up.

The cost to enter is $5 for NMITF members and $10 for non-members. The annual fee to become a member of the NMITF is $25.

Interested racers may pre-register by submitting their intentions to Knecht via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com.