Sponsors, supporters rally for Saipan Marathon

Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan staff and officers are stationed at the 10K turnaround point along Beach Road during last year’s Saipan Marathon. (Contributed Photo)

Sponsors and supporters are toeing the line in anticipation of Saipan Marathon 2019 set for March 9.

The annual events features 10K, half marathon, and full marathon courses and is a signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, which has been promoting the event extensively over the last several months, particularly in The Marianas’ major source markets.

Joining the MVA as exclusive sponsors of this year’s marathon are Skechers and Powerade. Platinum sponsor is IT&E. Gold sponsors are Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. Silver sponsors are T Galleria by DFS, Tokyo Jusen, DEEN International, Grandvrio Resort Saipan, The Athlete’s Foot, Boarderline, and All Star Sporting Goods. Additional sponsors are Vladivostok International Ice Run and Skydive Saipan.

“Saipan Marathon is the largest annual signature event of The Marianas­—last year we had nearly 1,000 runners—and one the greatest opportunities to show off the beauty of our destination,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and supporters who have stepped up this year to help us put on a memorable event for the runners, especially in light of budget reductions following Super Typhoon Yutu. We couldn’t do it without them, and we are looking forward to another spectacular race in March.”

Aid stations will be manned by Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Development Inc., Kinpachi Restaurant, Grandvrio Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Kanoa Resort, Coca-Cola/Foremost, Pacific Islands Club, Imperial Pacific Int’l CNMI, IT&E, Aqua Resort Club, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Tasi Tours Transportation, and Marianas Base Camp.

Supporting agencies and companies are American Memorial Park, Dept. of Public Safety, Dept. of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Div. of Parks and Grounds, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Public Lands, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Hawaiian Rock Products, and Marianas Health Services.

The early bird deadline for Saipan Marathon is set Feb. 9 and online registration is available in English at www.webscorer.com. The international registration fee for the full marathon (ages 16 and older allowed) is $90 and for the half marathon and 10K is $60. For U.S. and CNMI residents with valid photo ID showing proof of residency and who register by Feb. 8, the registration fee for the full marathon is $55 and for the half marathon and 10K is $45. Registrants are reminded to select their proper category, International or CNMI/U.S., on the website. Rates will increase after Feb. 9.

For more information, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Division at 1-670-664-3210 or communityprojects@mymarianas.com. (PR)