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Registration for Tagaman Triathlon ongoing
The region’s longest-running multisport event returns next month when the Tagaman Triathlon holds its 30th edition.
This is the third triathlon event to be held here after the successful staging of the inaugural Ironman 70.3 and 16th XTERRA Saipan last March.
Race day is on June 24 at 6:30am, starting with a 1.5-kilometer swim from the beach side at Kanoa Resort heading to the Minachom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe. Participants would then transition to the 40K bike and head toward the Banzai Cliff turnaround, back to Susupe.
The punishing race ends with a 10K run at the Beach Road pathway from the pavilion in Susupe going to Garapan (near the basketball court) and back for the finish.
Registration fees are as follow: from May 10 to June 15 $150 for solo and $290 for team, while from June 16 to 19, $180 for solo and $300 for team. Registration ends on June 20.
Prizes are $1,000 for the men’s and women’s division champions, and $700 and $500 each for the runners-up and third place finishers in both categories. Age group and relay winners will also receive awards.
Those who want to watch the race are advised to catch the swim leg at Kanoa Resort since majority of the bike portion will be at the northern part of the island. You can cheer the athletes as they turn around at Banzai Cliff heading to the bike-run transition at Minatchom Atdao.
Spectators are also encouraged to gather across the pavilion to cheer on the participants as they cross the finish line.
The Tagaman Triathlon began on 1988 with the help of then Marianas Visitors Authority managing director J.M. Guerrero, Kinki Nippon Tours, and the All Japan Triathlon Club. Tagaman was part of the MVA’s promotional event to attract sports-minded tourists and other foreign visitors to visit the islands.
Tagaman drew its inspiration from Chief Taga, a leader of the ancient Chamorros. The legendary king was famous for his feats of strength that includes moving huge boulders carved as capstones.
It was later known to be as Taga or Latte Stones—the unique remnants of the original inhabitants of the Marianas. (PR)
