Saipan Marathon set for March 14

An off-island runner celebrates his finish in the 10K event of last year’s Saipan Marathon at the American Memorial Park. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The 2020 Saipan Marathon is set for March 14 and will include courses for full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and for the first time in the event’s history, a 5K.

The Marianas Visitors Authority has opened registration 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 and 27, 2020 is $100 for the full marathon and $100 and $70 for the half marathon and 10K/5K, respectively. The last day to register for international participants is Feb. 27, 2020, at pm (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 marathon fee is $55, $45 for the half marathon/10K/5K, and $30 for students with valid ID. Registration fees between Feb. 15 and 27, 2020, for full marathon is $65, $55 for the half marathon/10K/5K, and $55 for students. Residents of the CNMI and the U.S. who register from Feb. 28 to Mar. 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 on Mar. 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 will have their names included in the official 2020 Saipan Marathon booklet and on the finishers photo backdrop. They will also receive a personalized race bib. Additional fees for these benefits will apply after Feb. 14.

“We invite all runners and walkers to get ready for the 2020 Saipan Marathon, our prestigious local marathon certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “We’re very excited to be adding a 5K course this year to allow more people to participate, especially families and students. We’re looking forward to a great turnout.”

The race will start and finish at the American Memorial Park. Start times are 4:30am for the full marathon; 5:30am for the half marathon; 5:45am for the 10K; and 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 at the AMP. Pickup times are 3pm to 4pm for team/groups/tour groups/etc. and 4pm to 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 send email to ediaz@mymarianas.com. (PR)