Hoskins, Tan triumph in Underground 5K 21.5

Marshall Hoskins won his second, while returning Tania Tan won her first in last Saturday’s Run Saipan Underground 5K 21.5 in Marpi.

Hoskins completed the nicknamed Banzai Cliff run in 20:31 to beat Ken Song and Taro Goto who came in second and third with times of 20:59 and 22:58, respectively, in the men’s division.

The 27-year-old from Pennsylvania said last Saturday’s course was much easier than the Mt. Tapochau run he topped last April.

“It was much more straight forward and really gave you the opportunity to stretch your legs a bit. It was great seeing people I met on my first race again, as well,” he said.

Hoskins also extended his thanks to organizers of the Run Saipan Underground 5K 21.5. “Thank you to Edward Dela Cruz, Dr. Ron Snyder, Jalen Lucido, Michael Mancao, and Oceania Athletics Association president Robin Sapong. These races are meant for fun and they hit their mark. Of course, I can’t wait for the next one.”

Tan, for her part, dominated the women’s division, finishing a third overall best time of 21:34. Hot on her heels were Noriko Jim (23:35) and Audrey Christley (24:50).

The Fordham University student is back home on Saipan for summer break and said she was as surprised as everyone that she finished in the Top 3 overall and was the first women to cross the finish line.

“I wasn’t expecting to win because I’m really not used to the weather and I was unfamiliar with the course as well so I very surprised to win,” she said.

Tan wasn’t joking about the weather, as running in the East Coast’s frigid weather usually has the mercury go down to -20F without the wind shear.

“It’s definitely much better to run in warm weather than the snow. Back in NY, I would have to wear five layers sometimes to run,” she said.

The 19-year-old added that it was also a much pleasant experience running the Banzai Cliff run course last Saturday compared to 2018.

“The course was much better than the first time I ran it three years ago. That time, it was a few months after Super Typhoon Yutu so I was jumping and ducking over fallen trees and branches. This time, the organizers did a good job to clear the route to make sure it’s safe for everyone I would just like to thank the organizers for organizing the race. I know it’s a lot of work so I’m thankful to be able to run today,” she said.

Run Saipan’s Edward Dela Cruz congratulated all the winners and all 41 participants for taking part in the early morning race last Saturday.

“Amazing job and strong work to all our runners. It was amazing to see new faces today and for our returning runners. Thank you all! Thank you to our volunteer staff for the race set up and timing.”