Saipan Marathon 2020 early bird deadline tomorrow

From left, Jonalyn Agulto, Jeafanie Agulto, Francine Joy Ebuen, and Kelli Acebo finish the Saipan Marathon 2017 held on March 25, 2017. (Contributed Photo)

For the best prices, participants in Saipan Marathon 2020—scheduled for March 14—are encouraged to register by tomorrow’s early bird deadline.

The Saipan Marathon 2020 is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority aimed at drawing visitors and media attention to the destination. This year’s event adds a 5K course to its 10K, half marathon, and full marathon repertoire.

“This year’s marathon is the most inviting yet with a comfortable 5K course that is perfect for children, families, runners of all fitness levels, and even walkers,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “The best part is, even a 5K participant gets to enjoy all the benefits of joining the marathon, including a medal, a finishers T-shirt, a great dinner buffet awards dinner, and of course, bragging rights. Don’t miss this Friday’s early bird deadline!”

POWERADE returns this year as exclusive sponsor, and Skymark Airlines, Inc., which provides direct daily flights from Tokyo to Saipan, is a Platinum sponsor. Hyatt Regency Saipan has signed on as a gold sponsor, and silver sponsors are Budget Car Rental Saipan, Coca- Cola/Foremost, Grandvrio Resort Saipan, Saipan Apparel, Saipan Plant Center, and Subway. Supporters include Northern Marianas Athletics, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Memorial Park, Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Works, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Division of Parks and Grounds, and Hawaiian Rock Products.

The Saipan Marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Registration for the event is now available via webscorer.com, with separate sites for International (https://www.webscorer.com register?raceid=196894) and US/CNMI Residents (https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=197420), as applicable.

For international participants who register by Feb. 14, 2020, the fee for the full marathon is $90, while the half marathon, 10K, and 5K are $60. Registration between Feb. 15-27, 2020, for is $100 for the full marathon is $100 and $70 for the half marathon/10K/5K. The last day to register for international participants is Feb. 27, 2020, at 5pm (ChST).

A special registration rate is available for residents of the CNMI and the U.S. For those who qualify for this special rate and register by Feb. 14, 2020, the full narathon is $55, the half marathon/10K/5K at $45, and for students with valid student ID, $30. Registration between Feb. 15-27, 2020, for full marathon is $65, for the half marathon /10K/5K is $55, and for students is $55. Residents of the CNMI and U.S. who register from Feb. 28 to March 6 will pay $95 for the full marathon, $85 for the half marathon /10K/5K, and $55 for students. The last day to register for CNMI and U.S. residents is March 6, 2020, at 5pm (ChST).

Valid photo ID is required to register. Registration includes the awards banquet, a finishers T-shirt, and a certificate of completion.

Those who register by Feb. 14, 2020, will have their names included in the official 2020 Saipan Marathon booklet and on the finishers photo backdrop and will receive a personalized race bib. Additional fees for these benefits will apply after Feb. 14, 2020.

The race will start and finish at American Memorial Park, starting at 4:30am for the full marathon, at 5:30am for the half marathon, at 5:45am for the 10K, and at 6am for the 5K. The cut-off time for the full marathon will be 8:30am at the half-way point. There is no cut-off time for the half marathon, 10K, or 5K.

All competitors are required to pick up their race packets on March 13, 2020, at American Memorial Park. Pickup times are 3-4pm for team/groups/tour groups/etc. and 4-6pm for individuals only.

For more information, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Ed Diaz at 1.670.664.3210 or ediaz@mymarianas.com. (PR)