Triathletes ready for Micro Games

Less than a week after a pack of international runners joined local long distance lovers in the inaugural Saipan Marathon, the Commonwealth’s multi-sport mavens have a challenge of their own as the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation is set to host the second Olympic distance qualifier for the 2006 Micronesian Games.

Not long after dawn, organizers will open registration at 6am this Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Pau Pau Beach parking lot beneath the first pavilion. The swim kicks off at 6:30am as the triathletes tackle the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run course.

Aside from allowing only Micronesian hopefuls, the NMITF has opened up the race to teams and individuals looking for a test of their fitness and mental toughness. Race coordinator Sue Knecht said that teams are encouraged, and that lone racers can use the event as a stepping stone for the XTERRA Saipan Championship and Tagaman Triathlon in April.

The sprint challenge consists of a 750-meter swim, a 20-km bike course, and a 5-km run, but that isn’t the only additional event of the day, as the NMITF is offering another round of the popular Enticer Series.

A 350-m swim, 10-km bike, and 2.5-km run await the first timers looking ahead to competing in either of the April races.

After making waves in the Pau Pau lagoon, all of the triathletes will don their gear, mount their bicycles, and make tracks toward the first turn-around at the Tanapag Mobil station. From there the rider will head north past the Last Japanese Command Post until they reach the second turnaround at the speed limit sign located just after the landfill. Next they’ll head to the third turn-around at Banzai Cliff and head back to Pau Pau, where the Sprint distance competitors will shed their helmets and lace up the sneakers for the 5-km run course past the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool and back to the finish. Not so for the Olympic distance challengers, who will complete the circuit again before taking off along the 10km run that will take them past the Last Japanese Command Post and back.

Runners on both courses can take heart in knowing that there will be a water station at the 2.5-km mark to allow those running twice as long a second opportunity at the aqua oasis.

While fluids will be available at the aid station, race coordinator Sue Knecht, still needs support for the weekend affair.

Since both the cycling and running courses are on the roads, volunteers are vital to the safety of the participants as they compete in the heat.

“I’d like to reiterate if you are a racer and you want to be safe while out on the road, I recommend you bring a friend or someone willing to help at the bike turnarounds, to watch the traffic,” she said.

For more information about any of the three events or to become a volunteer, contact Knecht via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com.