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HANMI supports MVA’s signature race
As in prior years, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands is lending its support to the 2020 Saipan Marathon that will be held this Saturday.
HANMI has been a key partner of the annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority. Despite the extreme economic downturn caused by low visitor arrivals in The Marianas as a result of COVID-19, HANMI and its individual members are again offering resources to make this year’s race a success.
“We are grateful more than ever for Saipan Marathon 2020 because these more than 700 registrants help show that there is still an awareness and confidence in The Marianas and that the public also has increased awareness and confidence in ways to protect themselves and others from the spread of germs, in general,” said HANMI chair Gloria Cavanagh.
More than 700 runners have registered for the event, including over 100 runners each from Japan and Korea.
“The public education on prevention measures and those most vulnerable has been excellent,” said Cavanagh. “We continue to have other large public gatherings in our community, like a windsurfing competition, other walks and run, and a fishing derby. This run targets athletes, a healthy subset of the population, and will promote our destination as a healthy one. The marathon is also supported by our local sports organization, and we have been assured of our medical community’s ability to respond to COVID-19. The economic activity generated by the marathon will also help us keep employees working, help keep government employees on the clock, and set The Marianas up for a faster recovery once public confidence in travelling is revived.”
HANMI has committed $1,000 toward cash prizes for the marathon course. HANMI member hotels will also man aid stations along the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K courses. Some hotels have also extended special offers for marathon participants. (PR)
