Tagaman founders, participants honored

Tagaman Triathlon co-founder Bill Sakovich, sixth left, gestures during the awards presentation for the pioneers and participants of the race last Saturday at Kanoa Resort. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

As Tagaman Triathlon celebrated its 30th anniversary last Saturday, it was just fitting that the people behind one of the longest-running triathlon events in the Pacific were recognized.

Tagaman co-founders Bill Sakovich, J.M. Guerrero, Wolf Mojica, and Pacific Development, Inc.’s Yoichi Matsumura made the honor roll with the former receiving a plaque of recognition from 30th Tagaman Triathlon organizer Triathlon Association in the CNMI. Mojica and Matsumura are now based in Hawaii and Japan, respectively, and could not make it to the awards presentation at Kanoa Resort, while TRAC president Ricky Castro personally handed the plaque to Guerrero at the latter’s residence in Finasisu.

“After starting Tagaman three decades ago, we’re happy that it’s still here. We hope that Tagaman will continue and more people will compete here,” said Sakovich, who with Guerrero and Mojica created Tagaman to bring in off-island athletes and help boost the CNMI’s tourism.

Among the athletes lured by Tagaman in the early years were inaugural (1988) champion and three-time winner Ruben Chappins of the U.S., another three-time champ, Hideya Miyazuka of Japan, South Korea’s Yu Hun Park, and Saipan’s very own Tyce Mister.

All four raced in last weekend’s Tagaman with Chappins doing the 60-kilometer bike leg for TRAC 1 and clocking in at 3:14:41. Miyazuka did the solo and was the first finisher (3:40:18) in the 55 to 59 age group. Park, who was responsible for bringing in South Korean triathletes for Tagaman for more than a decade, this time was with his sons Hee Chan and Mang and they completed the relay in 4:25:08.

Mister missed the podium in the 50 to 54 age group, as he finished fifth in his division with a time of 4:08:03, however, he earned the distinction of having the most Tagaman appearances in three decades.

“I think I did more than 25 of the 30. The only times that I did not compete was when I was injured. It’s great to be part of this race for a long time,” Mister said.

Braxton, Sendin lead Saipan finishers
Meanwhile, race organizers also recognized the top Saipan finishers in last weekend’s event.

Charlie Sendin broke the four-hour mark with his 3:56:14 to rank first among Saipan triathletes. He posted 35:40, 1:54:04, and 1:25:48 in the swim, bike, and run legs, respectively, to place fourth in the 30 to 34 age group and No. 31 overall among the 110 solo finishers.

In the women’s division, Ayano Braxton was the top Saipan finisher after making it to Kilili Beach in 4:14:17 (split times of 40:19, 2:07:45, and 1:27:13). Braxton also came in at third place in the 40 to 44 age group and No. 43 overall.