‘Run from ‘22 Mile Race’ this Saturday

Run Saipan’s Run from ‘22 Mile Race is set for this Saturday, Dec. 31, at 6:30am starting from the Buddhist Temple in Marpi to the former Marianas Resort & Spa parking lot.

Run from this year into the next and see if you are able to beat the record of Run Saipan’s very own Keith Ketola, who was the only runner to run under 5 minutes—4:45— to win the 2021 1 Mile Race men’s division, while Tania Tan ran a 5:49 mile to win the women’s division.

Runners will use the OneTime timing chips, which according to Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr., must be returned right after the race. Otherwise, failure to do so will result in a temporary ban from Run Saipan races. Runners must also pay for the cost of it if lost or not returned.

Pick up of timing chips is set for tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 30, from 5pm to 8pm at the 2nd floor of Cha Cafe.

Race divisions are the top open men and women, 14-and-under, 18-and-under, ages 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60-and-up; along with a stroller division which Run Saipan is working with Northern Marianas Athletics and Oceania Athletics Association to introduce into this race.

Dela Cruz said about the race, “I heard a lot of talk about how fast people were bragging they can run their 1 mile time at every island relay they have been to. Since we don’t split time individually at the Annual Christmas Relay Race, this is their one chance to backup all that bark.”

He said he designed the race with one goal in mind: to find out how fast a person can run their mile in the ideal condition and optimal settings. “This is also the chance for people to take on Run Saipan’s Team Alpha and see if they can hang with the best. This race is also for all those people always talking about how fast they can run a mile. Back it up this Saturday.” 

“The end of the year 1 mile race is an all out competition for the athletes competing as well as the most accurate timing and measured course for people to record their 1 mile in the fastest mass participation race in the CNMI for road race. It’s one way, down wind, and slightly down hill. I can’t wait to see everyone there this week,” added Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz then added a warning and said “We do want to change the culture of Chamorro time and last-minute signup. For this race, since we are programming chips starting Friday, the race price is doubled per person so people have until today to sign up for the regular fee. No T-shirts or finisher medals this year. We are offering the gift of health and a glimpse of longevity with this race.”

If you are up for the challenge, click this link to register: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/67679/run-from-22-mile-race?fbclid=Iw AR0SXZaVITmKfeu-8-vS29_m1XoIyBX3y-XlaUNWc_w6YFjBS78Op1mAV0k