June 16 next registration deadline for Tagaman

Tomorrow, June 16, is the next registration deadline for the 2017 Tagaman 51.50 Triathlon slated for June 24, 2017, on the island of Saipan.

Registration by June 16 will be $150/solo and $290/team. Registration after June 16 is $180/solo and $300/team. The last day to register is June 20.

So far, nearly 100 competitors from Korea, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Guam, Philippines, USA, and the Marianas have registered for the event.

Pro-athletes already confirmed to return are Kaon Cho of Korea, Alexandr Dorovskikh of Russia, and Joseph Miller of the Philippines. Newcomers in the pro women’s field competing for the first time are Leanne Szeto and Tsang Ka Hung of Hong Kong, Manami Ijima of Guam, Maria Hodges of the U.S., and the Marianas’ Emily Northrop.

The Tagaman Triathlon is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, aimed at attracting visiting athletes and media coverage for the Marianas. Organization of this year’s event has been contracted to Northern Marianas Cycling Federation, in cooperation with Triathlon Association of the CNMI.

This year’s starting point and 1.5K swim leg will be Kanoa Resort Saipan, the official hotel of the event. Bikers will transition at Mina’chom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe and make the 40K bike course to Banzai and back. The 10K run will turn around at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.

“Our next course this year beginning at Kanoa Resort Saipan means the community will see more of the action at our transition areas in Susupe,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We ask the cooperation of all drivers to drive slowly next Saturday along the course route and to follow the directions given by traffic officers. That way, we can help ensure a safe event for the competitors.”

Cash prizes await the Top 3 finishers in the women’s and men’s open categories: $1,000 for first place, $700 for second place, and $500 for third place. Finisher medal awaits individuals and team once they cross the finish line and other medals for age group division will be awarded.

Platinum sponsors are Kanoa Resort & Spa, T Galleria, and Hyatt Regency Saipan. Gold sponsors are TanHoldings Corp., Islander Rent-a-Car, IT&E, Brabu Pharmacy, and MARPAC. Silver sponsors are Bridge Capital, LLC; Imperial Pacific International, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Triple J Wholesale, and Marianas Medical Center. Bronze sponsors are Let’s Go! Tour, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and RNV Forex. Event supporters include the Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Department of Public Works (Road and Grounds), DPS Boating and Traffic, Division of Parks and Grounds, Marianas Health Services, Elliot Systems, and Hawaiian Rock Products.

For more information or to register, visit saipantriathlon.com. (MVA)