XTERRA University kicks off Saipan Sports Fest today

The 2009 Saipan Sports Fest kicks off today with the XTERRA University activities at the Micro Beach where experts will give neophytes the proper tips in running a triathlon.

Participants will be given introductory courses for the three triathlon events in swimming, mountain bike, and marathon starting at 2:30pm.

The 2009 Saipan Sports Fest is organized by Taga, Inc. in association with the Marianas Visitors Authority, and sponsored by DFS Galleria, Coca-Cola, Subway, IT&E, Glimpses of Saipan, Foremost, Docomo Pacific, Marpac, and Northwest Airlines.

Yesterday, XTERRA Saipan and Tagaman hopefuls attended a meeting at the Capital Hill Post Office and visited several portions of the XTERRA Saipan Championship to be held this Saturday.

Another activity today will be the Tank-2-Tank swim at 12pm at the beach near Saipan World Resort. There will also be another one of this type on Friday and Monday at the same venue and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday next week.

Also on April 17, the XTERRA 5K and 10K trail runs will start at 5pm at the Micro Beach Compound and at 7pm there will be a cocktail party at the Pacific Islands Club.

Saturday’s main event, the XTERRA Saipan Championship, will start at 6:30am.

But participants are reminded to come early for the race.

The XTERRA Sport Course will start at 6:45am and the kids bike race at 8am

Awarding ceremonies will be at 6pm at the PIC.

A barbeque party is set on Sunday at the Obyan beach starting at 1pm.

The activities will continue with the night mountain bike ride on April 21.

Participants will meet at upper parking lot of the Palms Resort at 7pm for the two-hour ride.

On April 22, there will be the Xterraist Hash, with the trail to be set-up by Wolf Kramden and Bobbi Ciega.

Pro triathletes that include Renata Bucher, Jim McConnel, Andrew Noble, Mike Vine, Sam Gardner, Takahiro Ogasawara, and Taro Shirato will be joining forum where they will be asked various questions on training, diet and racing.

Briefing for the Tagaman race will be held at PIC beginning at 5pm on April 23 and on April 24, all the participants will be joining a Carbo Loading Dinner at the PIC.

The Tagaman triathlon will start at 6am on April 25 at the PIC.

Other activities on the same day, would be the Taga Kids, organized by Mel Daly and Tina Goodwin.
There will be a post race party at the PIC later in the evening and the final kickoff party will be at the Obyan Beach.