Temperature sears as half marathon nears

Long-distance runners can take comfort that they will no longer have to endure the solitude of their sport throughout the summer as Sports Link, Korea is going forward with plans for next weekend’s inaugural Peace Half-Marathon to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, and the founding of the Republic of Korea on Aug. 15, 1948.

All of the fun that is the run will get underway bright and early at 6am next Sunday, July 10, at the American Memorial Park, as Saipan’s second half marathon of the year will be organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Korean Tour Association of Saipan, as well as the Segye Times and Kyunghyang Daily News from Korea. Additionally, Asiana Airlines and World Resort have signed on to help prepare for the runners’ long road ahead.

Aside from the 13.1-mile half marathon, the MVA and the Korean Tour Association of Saipan expect to entice roughly 200 participants from South Korea to participate in the 10-km race. Organizers initially announced plans to hold a 5-km race as well, but decided to go forward with only the lengthier runs.

As with all other major on-island events, organizers are hoping for an outpouring of local support from government and private companies to help make the event a success. The runners will also be appreciative of the volunteers manning the aid stations who should provide much needed relief from the Saipan sun.

While the majority of the multi-sport events are either locally hosted or organized by off-island Japanese athletic organizations, this will be the first major run supported by the MVA’s Korean office.

“We are very happy to be part of this athletic event and expect that this event will have a positive impact on the CNMI’s promotions in Korea,” commented Y.T. Park, representative, MVA Korea office

With all of the international media expected to attend, the local MVA office considers the Peace Half-Marathon to be one of the CNMI’s large-scaled athletic events this year aside from our Tagaman and XTERRA Saipan Championship.

“Sports Tourism is a growing billion dollar industry worldwide and is one of the most effective means of tourism. We will continue to grow as a destination that caters to sporting events as this would only contribute to the CNMI’s tourism industry,” said MVA managing director Vicky Benavente.

To register for the race, stop down to the MVA and fill out an application. If you don’t have time to stick around the office, simply fax your entry form to the Koreans Travel Association of Saipan at 234-5826. The cost to enter the half-marathon is $30, while those opting for the 10-km distance need only pay $20. The last day to register for the race is Friday, July 8, for either of the two distances.

For more information about the inaugural Peace Half-Marathon, contact the MVA by calling 664-3200, or by calling the KTSA at 234-5827.