Community braces for biggest Saipan Marathon – Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads – Saipan Tribune

Organizers, volunteers, and the community are putting the final touches on the preparations for this Saturday’s Saipan Marathon 2019—the largest since the event’s inception.

“Since it’s inception, we’ve seen the Saipan Marathon grow from a small event to one that has attracted over 1,000 runners from around the world this year. This is something we can all be proud of,” Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects Division manager Martin Duenas. “We’re inviting everyone to take a few minutes from their day to make all our runners feel welcomed and cheer them on. Pull out the beach chairs and enjoy the race!”

The race will start in the wee hours of morning at 4:30am with the full marathon pack, followed by runners in the half marathon and 10K. Drivers are asked to exercise caution when on the race route Saturday morning.

“To beat the heat, our full marathon is starting before daybreak. This is actually normal for many marathons,” Duenas said. “In this regard, we are asking drivers to drive carefully and follow all traffic officer directions along the route on Saturday morning to help ensure we give all our runners a safe and enjoyable race.”

The route begins at American Memorial Park, heads north past the former Mariana Resort & Spa, returns south to Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and then heads north back to American Memorial Park. The outer southbound lane on Beach Road will be closed from American Memorial Park to PIC from 6am to approximately 9:30 am. Drivers are asked to take alternate routes during that time, if possible.

Duenas noted the important role the community plays in the success of the race. The Marianas’ largest annual sporting and signature event of the MVA aimed at attracting visitors and international media coverage for the islands.

Spectators can also keep their eyes open for participants in the Wacky Awards sponsored by The Athlete’s Foot and All-Star Sporting Goods, which will award the best costumes, craziest hair, most awesome shoes, oldest shoes, and shortest shorts.

Dog owners are reminded to restrain their dogs for the safety of runners, as well.

Joining the MVA as exclusive sponsors of this year’s marathon are Skechers, Powerade, and Northern Marianas Athletics. Platinum sponsors are IT&E, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Joint Marketing, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. Gold sponsors are Fiest Resort & Spa, Royal Travel, Saipan Computer Services, Saipan Apparel, and T Galleria by DFS. Silver sponsors Grandvrio Resort Saipan, Deen International, The Athlete’s Foot, Boarderline, All Star Sporting Goods, Skydive Saipan, Tokyo Jusen, Subway/Foremost/Coca-Cola, Joteten Shopping Center, Real Estate Transaction Specialist Igawa Office, and LJ’s Lawn and Care.

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

Saipan Marathon has been certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, making it a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.

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)