NMITF to hold first ‘Leapfrog race’ on Saipan

The Northern Mariana Island Triathlon Federation will be holding for the first time a different kind of sport for mountain bikers, roadrunners, and road bikers.

This new style of bike and run event is called the “Leapfrog” race.

Organizers have already finalized the date and venue for introducing this new sport on Sept. 14, a Sunday, at Paupau Beach, where interested participants will start and finish the race.

Registration time will begin at 6am while the race will start at 6:30am with an entry fee of $10 for non-NMITF members and $5 for members. The projected average finishing time is one hour and five minutes (1:05.00) with a distance of about 8.5 miles.

There will be prizes to be given out courtesy of the following donors—Pacific Islands Club, BankPacific, Dr. Irma Halaby, Hardt Eye Clinic, Dr. Edgar Tudor, Romy’s Bike Shop, Saipan Cellular Communications, Marianas Eye Institute, and the Law Offices of Eric Smith.

The race is a two-person team using one bicycle, each alternating the bike and run leg portion of the race. Everyone starts the race at the same time.

From the starting point, one teammate rides ahead and leaves the bike at a designated exchange point and begins running.

Your partner runs to the bike and then rides past or ‘leapfrogs’ your partner and drops the bike at the next exchange point.

This process is repeated and the team that completes the course will win the race.

NMITF said a more challenging version would be scheduled at a later date this year.

Interested competitors must come with their own partner.

For the exchange point, the bike and run distances will be divided into 10 exchange points, each with a distance of about less than a mile.

Organizers will be marking the exchange points with cones and ribbons.

NMITF also gave some tips to win the race.

The basic strategy is to pick a partner that matches your ability in both biking and running.

Because both team members would be riding the same bike for the full course, both must fit the bike or they will be making seat adjustments on every exchange resulting in lost time.

It is also recommended that competitors must wear their running shoes and helmets are required to be used on all bike portions of the race.

NMITF said there would be awards for the top teams while all participants will have the chance to win attractive items through lottery.

The organizers did a trial as part of their preparation for the event.

Joshua and Mamiko Berger, Fred Camacho, Tamio, Ronald and Shogo had a lot of fun for it though tiring.

Tyce Mister said he did it in college and found it an excellent workout.

Joshua Berger could be contacted at 235-8060 or Fred Camacho at 233-2265 for more details.