Sato, Braxton win Happy Hearts 5K

Nearly 100 took part in Run Saipan and CHCC Sunshine Squad’s Inaugural Happy Hearts 5K Fun Run last Friday, March 18. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Kosuke Sato and Ayano Braxton pounded the pavement en route to winning the Inaugural Happy Hearts 5K Fun Run last Friday, March 18.

Sato topped the men’s division after conquering the race from the Garapan Fishing Base to just past the Japanese Tank Memorial along Quartermaster Road and back in a solid time of 20:05.

“It was cloudy, good weather for running. This time I enjoyed running with young fast runners Sildrey Viloria and Michael Mancao. They are practicing middle distance for the Pacific Games,” said the 50-year-old general manager of Kingfisher Golf Links.

Sato said good thing Viloria and Mancao faded a bit as the run became longer and he was able to take advantage and take the lead.

“After two kilometers, they slowed down the pace. They are getting faster because the CNMI athletics team has Dr. Ron Snyder as head coach. He has IAAF coaching certification. I trained before under his curriculum which made me faster,” said the native of Tokyo, Japan.

Sato also thanked the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Sunshine Squad and Run Saipan for hosting running event.

“This time close to 100 runners showed up. I felt everything’s returning to normal after pandemic. People are significantly more health-conscious since the outbreak of COVID-19 began. I hope this event will be the chance for some to start jogging since regular jogging offers many health benefits. I am looking forward to see the growth of the local running community,” he said.

Mancao and Viloria finished second and third in the men’s 5K after crossing the finish line in 21:48 and 22:28.28, respectively. Theodore Rodgers (22:28.84) and Greg Trusso (22:42) round out the Top 5 in the men’s division.

Among the women, Ayano Braxton was the fleetest afoot with a time of 23:58. Rosemarie Chisato finished second in 25:50, while Run Saipan vice president Jenna Kong was third in 27:07.7. Kathy Ruszala (27:15) and Ann Bang (27:50) completed the Top 5 among the women.

Braxton had mixed emotions after finishing first in the women’s race.

“It’s embarrassing to take first place at this time. I used to run 5 kilometers in 22 minutes until a few years ago, but as I got older, it became more difficult. Noriko [Jim] and Akiko [Miller], who are 10 years older than me, can run faster than I do. I would like to enjoy the run a little more so that I can keep up with them. And thank you to all the people who always support me,” she said.

Braxton dedicated her win in the Happy Hearts 5K run to her husband, James, and their daughters, Aoi and Kaya.