Triumphant return for Mami

Mamiko Berger celebrates her first place finish in the 50K event in last Saturday’s 2018 Saipan Marathon. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Mimic Berger was so familiar with the course and weather condition at the 2019 Saipan Marathon that even a formidable opponent could not prevent her from winning her favorite race last Saturday.

The former Saipan resident had a triumphant return to the island as she timed in at 4:10:02 in the 50K event and won over Japanese Natsuko Muramatsu, who reached the finish line just less than two minutes behind Berger after submitting 4:11:42.

“It’s great to be back and win. I am happy to see old friends and thankful to them for their support,” said Berger, who crossed the finish line at the American Memorial Park in her trademark smile.

The Thailand-based Berger had a close fight with Muramatsu right from the get-go and they switched lead several times.

“I let her past me uphill up north (Marpi area and Capitol Hill) because I know I could catch up on her once we reached the flat course (south side),” the 48-year-old Berger said.

Berger and the 30 other 50K runners headed up north as far as Banzai Cliff and also climbed to Capitol Hill (just before turning to Mt. Tapochao Road) before heading south via Beach Road up to the Pacific Islands Club.

“I caught up with her near the fire station (Garapan) when we were about to turn to AMP. I knew she was tired because she’s slowing down and sweating a lot as she could really feel the hot weather,” said Berger, who was used to racing under the searing Saipan sun, having won Saipan Marathon five times (the most by any participant) and the 50K three times, including last Saturday’s event.

Berger topped the Saipan Marathon in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2016, and ruled the 50K in 2013 and 2014. She just competed in the 10K last year and finished second. Muramatsu is no stranger to Saipan Marathon, too as the 2013 Mt. Fuji Marathon champion in fact finished second to Berger in the 2012 race (full marathon).

“She is a tough competitor, but I guessed I am just more familiar with the course and the weather here, so I was able to finish ahead of her in the last part of the race,” said Berger, who hugged her 41-year-old foe after the latter crossed the finish line..

Joining Berger and Muramatsu in the Top 6 overall rankings in the women’s division were Yuko Muto (4:42:54), Saipan’s Sakiko Eda (5:13:15), Noriko Nakai (6:00:05), and Rika Katsuki (6:09:44).

Meanwhile, Japanese Abe Masayuki was the No. 1 overall finisher and ruled the men’s 50K for the third straight time. Masayuki clocked in at 3:33:27 to prevail against China’s Qingtan Chen (3:44:11), compatriots Kota Matsuhira (3:59:15), Yasushi Tomizawa (4:44:23), and Hiroyuki Miyoshi (4:44:35), and China’s Rong Ni (4:48:35).