Koreans sign up for Rota Blue Triathon

Efforts by the Marianas Visitors Authority to gain more international participants for the 23rd Annual Rota Blue Triathlon that will be held this Saturday are paying off with the recent registration of 10 athletes from Korea.

For an event long dominated by Japanese athletes, co-organizer Kiyokazu Fitness Club (KFC) has made intensified efforts this year to market the event in Korea, resulting in the new additions to the race.

“Although flight service to Rota remains a challenge, especially for bringing in bikes, we were determined to introduce the event to our other markets so we can grow the event,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “With a promotional video produced by KFC, so far we have been able to woo 10 athletes from Korea, adding to the 60 from Japan who already registered. It’s a great return for the Rota Blue after last year’s hiatus.”

The 22-minute video features the unspoiled nature of Rota and warm island welcome from residents.

Triathlon magazine LUMINA and the nationwide Tokyo Broadcasting System are slated to cover the event. According to KFC president Kiyozaku Onishi, they have also been approached by worldwide triathlon organization Ocean Lava to join their world series event.

Rota Blue Triathlon is an annual signature event of the MVA featuring two distances: the A-type half marathon distance, which includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, followed by a 40K rigorous biking course, and a 10K run (no time limit); and the B-type Olympic, which has a distance of 2K in the swim leg, 90K in the bike course, and 21K run (8-hour time limit). For team competitors, there will also be triathlon of the A-type distance, again with no time limit.

The pre-race briefing for all participants will be held this Friday at Rota Resort & Country Club at 6:30pm. Starting time for both distances is 6:30am at Rota’s East Harbor. Wetsuits are permitted, while bike helmets are required. Registration fees are lower this year: $60 for A-type course solo competitors and $50 for each member in the team division. The fee for the B- type course is $80. The entry fee includes an event T-shirt, high-quality swim cap, and an invitation to the awards banquet.

For more information, visit the Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ed Diaz at 1-670-664-3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com, or contact Sandra Atalig at the MVA Rota Office at 1-670-532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com. (PR)