MVA goes to great lengths to show Island Pride

Just about a month after hosting the first ever marathon in the CNMI, the Marianas Visitors Authority announced its intentions to create a similar challenge to the top of Saipan’s highest peak during the Island Pride Marathon.

As they have on several occasions, the MVA is teaming up with long time race promoters from Japan—the KFC Triathlon Club of Japan—to bring a large crowd of runners to the top of Mt. Tapochau this summer.

While all of the details are not yet available, organizers have scheduled the event to kickoff on June 17 and are looking to reel in participants from points in Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Philippines, Guam, and the U.S. mainland.

While the Inaugural Saipan Marathon drew 41 participants this past January, organizers of the Island Pride Marathon expect to more than double that mark with approximately 100 participants from Japan alone.

The course has already been laid out by organizers, and the 42.195-kilometer marathon will begin at the newly remodeled Saipan World Resort, and head north to the Mobil gas station in Tanapag, where the runners will turn around and start their trip to Mt. Tapochau. Once they earn the view from above, the endurance aficionados will run downhill and back to the Saipan World Resort.

Unlike the January race, the Island Pride Marathon will impose a seven-and-a-half-hour time limit upon all participants to complete the route.

“The Island Pride Marathon is unlike any classic flat course event. Participants will still run a flat course beside Beach Road overlooking stunning views of Saipan with the addition of an uphill challenge to Mt. Tapochau. This is the difference compared to other successful marathon events. Adding to this, participants will be able to take pleasure in the beautiful scenic views of the island while running down from the mountain,” said KFC Triathlon Club president Kiyokazu Onishi.

Onishi added that his organization is excited to be part of the event and that he expects that the event will have a positive impact on the CNMI’s promotions throughout the region.

Onishi wasn’t the only one commenting on the prospect of the event’s popularity, as Saipan World Resort general manager B.K. Park echoed the sentiments based on the combination of the challenge of the event as well as Saipan’s proximity to prospective racers.

“Marathons are growing in popularity these days, the CNMI as a destination, is located within four hours of many Asian destinations. This makes a great opportunity to establish one of the world’s most accomplished events, marathons. We are very excited to be part of this event and look forward to ensuring its success,” said Park.

For more information regarding the Island Pride Marathon, contact Wayne Pangelinan at MVA via email at waynep@mymarianas.com, Hiroko Tenorio at htenorio@mymarianas.com, or by calling MVA Saipan headquarters at 664-3200.