Special prizes at stake in Saipan Marathon

Runners dressed as bride and groom pose for a photo after completing the 2017 Saipan Marathon. This Saturday, runners may win Best Costume, Craziest Hair, Shortest Shorts, Most Awesome Shoes, and Ugliest Shoes awards and will each receive $100 worth of gift certificates from The Athlete’s Foot or All-Star Sporting Goods. (Contributed Photo)

The Marianas Visitors Authority is reminding runners for this Saturday’s Saipan Marathon 2018 to register by tomorrow for a chance to win great place cash prizes and other prizes for a number of new wacky contests.

“We’ve got the $22,000 plus in cash prizes for the fastest runners, and the good news is, we’ve got prizes for those who may not be the fastest, but are willing to be the wackiest,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “It’s going to be a blast on Saturday!”

The MVA will be looking along the course for its top choice in the following categories: Best Costume (male and female), Craziest Hair, Most Awesome Shoes, Shortest Shorts (male and female), and Ugliest Running Shoes. Winners for each category will receive a $100 gift certificate from The Athlete’s Foot or All-Star Sporting Goods.

As of last count, 870 runners had registered for the race. Concepcion also asked for community support in making the event a success.

“We ask all drivers to drive slowly and carefully and follow the direction of all traffic officers along the race course,” said Concepcion. “Of course, we need all dogs to be restrained, as well. And after running 10, 20, or 30K in our tropical sun, these runners are going need some encouragement. Let’s cheer on our guests and hometown favorites and give them that extra push they need to finish and finish well.”

The marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Registration fee for 50K and marathon is $95 for U.S. and CNMI participants, and $85 for half marathon and 10K participants. The fee for high school and junior high school students will be $55. Registration will include the awards banquet, a finishers T-shirt, and a certificate of completion.

Major sponsors this year are Delta Airlines, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, DFS Saipan Limited, and Northern Marianas Athletics.

Platinum sponsors are IT&E, donating $5,000 and Hyatt Regency Saipan, donating over $4,000 in gift certificates. Gold sponsors are Ideal Signs, donating $3,000 and HK Express, donating $2,000. Silver sponsors are Pacific Insurance, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, Serenti Hotel, Hana Tour Service Inc., Taiwan Rainbow Wings Inc., and BARREL (Korea), each donating $1,000. Saipan Beach Hotel and Kanoa Resort round out the list of Silver sponsors.

Aid stations will be manned by Mariana Resort & Spa, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Imperial Pacific Int’l, Pacific Development Inc., Tasi Tours, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Kanoa Resort, Saipan World Resort, IT&E, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

The event is also supported by Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Public Lands, Div. of Parks & Grounds, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Hawaiian Rock Products, and Marianas Health Services.

All competitors are required to pick up their race packets in person on March 9, from 4pm to 6pm at the American Memorial Park, without exception. The races will start and finish at Micro Beach with the 50K event beginning at 4:30am, the full marathon at 5am, the half marathon at 5:30am, and the 10K at 6am. The cut-off time for the 50K and marathon will be 9:30am with runners in this event should be near the intersection of Navy Hill and Chalan Pale Arnold Road to continue their races.

Cash payments are accepted only at the MVA office located in San Jose, Saipan. For a direct link to the on-line registration site or for more information, contact Diaz at 1-670-664-3210 or send email to ediaz@mymarianas.com.