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Taro returns to top Rota Blue
Triathletes race in the 1.5K swim leg of last month’s Rota Blue Triathlon. (Contributed Photo)
The 48-year-old Taro finished the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike, and 10K run in 2:14:06 to beat Okada Takashi (2:16:14) and Hariki Yasutaka (2:27:21) in the men’s division. Leading the women’s division was 34-year-old Sakai Emi (2:19:49), who also placed third overall. Kiyomoto Miyuki (3:02:52) and Miwa Yoko (3:04:53) came in at second and third in the division. The 68-year-old Sakaguchi Toshihiko was the oldest competitor in the event, timing in at 4:43:34.
Eighty-two triathletes from Japan registered for the race on Rota, with 62 participating on race day.
In the Half Ironman event (2K swim, 90K bike, and 21K run), 45-year-old Sakai Osamu (5:00:26) dominated the competition in the men’s division. Osamu was followed by Ota Tomofumi (5:42:42) and Masuda Keisuke (5:45:30). In the women’s division, 28-year-old Oishida Kazuma came in at first with her 6:16:27, followed closely by Ohashi Yukiko (7:03:00).
The event was sponsored by Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan, and the Rota Mayor’s Office.
“The community of Rota always offers an outstanding welcome to athletes for the annual Rota Blue Triathlon,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas. “Registration was lower this season due to the limited number of flights available to ship bikes to the island, but we hope for a better turnout next year.”
The triathlon was also supported by Rota Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Dept. of Public Safety Traffic and Boating Safety Unit, Dept. of Finance, Rota Resort, Bay Breeze, Division of Youth Services, Joe Santos, Northern Marianas College CREES, Community and Cultural Affairs, Blue Palm, Mark Michael, System Clinic, JSBM, Aqua Dive Shop, Tri Sports, Serena, Beato Calvo, Vince Calvo, and Rubin.
The annual Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the CNMI. The three others are XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and the Tinian Turquoise Blue. (PR)
