Festival of Runs adds automated timing, re-measures course

Organizers are warming up for the 2009 Winter Festival of Runs on Jan. 17, 2009. The run will consist of a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon (21.079 km) and a 10-kilometer fun run along Saipan’s scenic roadways.

Adding to the professionalism of the event, an automated, chip-technology timing system will be utilized by timing company Keisoku-kobo.

“The chip system is simple and professional. It provides fast and accurate results for each athlete and will greatly streamline timekeeping for the Festival,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio. “We strongly encourage participants to register early so that their information can also be including in the timing database early.”

Close to 200 runners from Japan have registered for the event, including returning Japan celebrity Okushi Erika and 30 travel agents competing as members of a Northwest Airlines familiarization tour.

Orientation for all participants is mandatory and will be held at 4pm on Jan. 16 at American Memorial Park Amphitheater. The orientation will include a briefing on the new timing system and distribution of bibs containing the timing chip, followed by a carbo spaghetti dinner party at 5pm.

MVA has confirmed that the start time for the marathon will be 4:30am, as already announced internationally, while the half marathon and 10km run will begin at 5:45am. The course was also re-measured earlier this month by Bridge Enterprise of Japan, and turnaround points have changed slightly to ensure accuracy of course distance.

All runners will begin at Micro Beach at American Memorial Park within view of Managaha Island. The Full Marathon Course: from Micro Beach north along Middle Road through the villages of Puerto Rico, Tanapag, and San Roque; turnaround in the peaceful greenery of Marpi right before reaching the Far East Broadcasting Company turnoff; return to connect with the Half Marathon Course. The Half Marathon Course: from Micro Beach south on Beach Road along Saipan’s western lagoon; through the villages of Garapan, San Jose, Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, and San Antonio; turnaround at the San Antonio basketball court; return and finish at Micro Beach. The 10-km Course: Micro Beach south along Beach Road; through the villages of Garapan and San Jose; turnaround in-front of Pacific Outlet; return and finish at Micro Beach.

The fee to register for the full marathon is $35 and the half marathon and 10km is $25. A late fee of $10 will be added for registration after Jan. 9, 2009, and all interested participants are encouraged to register early. The last day of registration is Jan. 16, 2009. No entries will be accepted on the day of the race.

The age divisions for the full marathon are up to 40, 40-49, and 50 years and up. The half and 10km age groups are 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 plus. Prizes will be given out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. Raffle drawings for prizes will also be held at the banquet. All runners will receive a finisher’s T-shirt after the event.

Major sponsors of the event are Northwest Airlines, Oakley, MVA, Northern Mariana Athletics, and DFS Galleria Saipan. Supporting companies and agencies are Dept. of Public Safety, Hawaiian Rock, American Memorial Park, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works (Roads and Grounds), and Commonwealth Health Center.

“The Winter Festival of Runs is one of the premiere running events held annually in Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and we look forward to more local and international entries this year,” said Tenorio. “We also thank Saipan drivers for their continued consideration and cautiousness in sharing the island roadways with our runners that day.”

To register or for more information, please contact Mr. Ed Diaz of MVA at telephone numbers 1-670-664-3210 or email at ediaz@mymarianas.com. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]