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Barefoot runner completes marathon
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Posted on Mar 06 2012
While a Japanese runner hoisted his shoes when he cut the tape of the 7th Saipan Marathon, Saipan’s Chang Whan Jang had a better finish in last Saturday’s race—running and completing the 42.195K event barefoot.
Jang crossed the finish line at the 3:49:55 mark to top the men’s 60-and-above division and become the only runner from the CNMI to place first (men’s age group) in the second longest race of the weekend. Japan’s Takeshi Kawamoto (3:57:11), Yosuke Ikeno (3:40:35), and Yuji Takahashi (3:53:21) ruled the 40 to 49, 30 to 39, and 50 to 59 division, while China’s Wie Liu (3:28:51) won the 20 to 29 age group.
“I am okay, there’s nothing to worry about,” said Jang when asked how his feet were after the race under the scorching sun.
Running barefoot is Jang’s trademark and he admitted he runs faster without a pair of shoes. Last year, he completed the uphill climb to the rough road en route toward Mt. Tapochao barefoot, too.
Joining Jang and company in the top spot (for each age group) in the marathon were women’s 15 to 19’s Meilishia Luo (4:16:42), 20 to 29’s Karin Yoshida (3:55:36), the CNMI and 30 to 39’s Karrie Fisher (3:49:59), 40 to 49’s Marko Mori (4:07:21), 50 to 59’s Yukiko Ishimaru (4:15:10), and over 60’s Kyoko Sato (5:05:38).
The full marathon had runners leaving Micro Beach for Banzai Cliff. They then headed to Pacific Islands Club through Beach Road and back to Micro Beach.
In the ultra marathon (50K), Japan’s Tomoya Mizukami of the 30 to 39 age group had the fastest time among the age winners in the men’s division with his 4:56:28. Other age group winners were Toshikatsu Nomura (5:22:51/20 to 29)), Eiji Seumatu (5:12:13/40 to 49), Hiroyuki Kato (5:12:00/50 to 59), and the CNMI’s Pedro Vilaga (5:52:19/over 60).
In the women’s division, four were named age group winners; Tomoya Okuyama (5:54:13/20 to 29), Bernadette Schule (6:56:38/30 to 39), Mayuko Shimada (6:08:08/40 to 49), and Samoti Moki (6:11:34/50 to 59).
The ultra marathon had the same course, but runners went up to Capital Hill first (Mt. Tapochao road turn) before heading down to PIC.
