Olympic-sized returns to Tinian

While local athletes are still recovering from back-to-back triathlons on Saipan, it’s still much too early for them to stow away the multi-sport gear until next year as triathletes from the CNMI and the world ready for the return of the seventh running of the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon & Reef Swim.

Saipan’s closest neighbor in the Mariana Islands chain is readying to host the race as scores of ultra-healthy racers prepare for the challenge of the 1.5-kilometer swim, grueling 40-km bike course, and the mentally and physically taxing 10-km run on Saturday, June 10.

Last year, Japan’s Masayuki Matsumaru raced to his third consecutive victory in the 6th Annual Tinian Turquoise Triathlon by besting a field of 31 competitors that was comprised of athletes from Japan, Tinian, Saipan, and Guam in a time of 2:03:52.

Matsumaru didn’t have a whole lot of leeway, as Hideya Miyazuka finished the course less than two minutes later with an overall time of 2:05:41. Dirk Sharer led the local contingent with a time of 2:25:07, while Dawn Hammermeister was the CNMI’s top female with a time of 2:51:01.

An additional 31 jumped into the water for the reef swim as well. This time out, there will be two options for the open water race, as entrants can opt between Type A—a 1.5-km swim, or the awe inspiring Type B—a 3.0-km swim.

To take part in the race across the channel, simply pick up an application at the Marianas Visitors Authority office during normal business hours—from 8am to 5pm. The deadline to submit application forms before the early bird discount runs out is on May 26. The entry fee for participants who get their application form in by the deadline is $60 for the triathlon and $45 for the reef swim. Applications submitted after the deadline will face late charges that bring the cost to swim, bike, and run to of $90 for the triathlon and $60 for the reef swim.

Aside from facing the rigors of a triathlon, and experiencing the feeling of accomplishment when they cross the finish line, participants will enjoy an awards banquet later in the evening as well as a commemorative T-shirt.

For more information, contact the MVA by calling 664-3200, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, or online via e-mail at ftudela@mymarianas.com.