Smith, Jim are fastest in Turkey Trot

Energizer Stuart Smith returned to Saipan and made another good showing while Noriko Jim showed the warrior in her as the two took home top honors in the 21st Annual Turkey Trot Fun Run yesterday morning.

Smith and Jim were phenomenal as they tackled the 4.2-mile course beginning at the Department of Public Works beach and ending at the peak of Mt. Tapochao.

The two weren’t the only ones completing the intense challenge as a total of 110 early birds spent Thanksgiving morning abusing their running shoes.

Smith was first overall finisher as he completed the task in a sterling 37:11 to also top the men’s 40-49 division, while Chris Linder finished just 10 seconds later for second overall and first in the men’s 30-39 division.

Rota triathlon winner Rob Carruth added another memorable performance to his long list after placing third overall and second in the men’s 40-49 category after clocking in at 40:30.

Jim was the fourth overall finisher and first female to reach the peak in a time of 40:43, taking home a turkey in the women’s 30-39 category.

For their part, Steve Pixley finished fifth overall and won the men’s 50-and-above division in a time of 41:58, Caesar Danao (41.59) was sixth overall and third in the men’s 40-49 division, Dirk Sharer placed seventh overall and fourth in the men’s 40-49 group, Yoshi Suzuki was eighth overall and second in the men’s 30-39 group, Butch Sublemente followed at ninth overall and third in the men’s 30-39 division, and Nate Hawley capped the top 10 and was fourth in the men’s 30-39.

Other top male finishers include second place Chang Wang Jang (44:22) and third place Fred Camacho (48:11) in the men’s 50-and-above and first place Gary Padsing (46:04), second place Jack Kabiriel (46:16), and third place Shan Seman (50:24) in the men’s open.

Top female performers include first place Meiko Motoyoshi (48:34), second place Crystal Pierson (1:01.00), and third place Becca Newman (1:03.38) in the women’ open; second place Heather Kennedy (50:15) and third place Kanae Quinn (56:46) in the 30-39 category; first place Elisa Long (50:35), second place Vicki Taitano (1:02.00), and third place Betty Johnson (1:04.48) in the 40-49 division; and first place Monica Yamaguchi (50.46) in the 50-and-above.

All first place winners went home with turkey certificates and gold medals, while second and third place finishers received silver and bronze medals.

The event was organized and hosted by Northern Marianas Athletics.

For more information about NMA and its other events, contact Elias Rangamar at 664-2502, NMA president Kurt Barnes at 235-5853, or treasurer Robin Sapong at 235-6500.