SAIPAN — More than 700 runners from around the world are set to take to the roads Saturday for the 18th Annual Skechers Saipan Marathon, with a first-ever Business Expo opening the festivities Friday at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
Registration for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon remains open through Wednesday, March 4, at mymarianas.com, with a final deadline of 5:00 p.m. ChST.
The Business Expo runs Friday, March 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, featuring local businesses offering products, services, and experiences aligned with sports and health. Mandatory race packet pickup will be available throughout the expo and until 5:00 p.m. at the Ataari Dinner Show pavilion. Valid photo identification is required, and participants may send a representative with written authorization and a copy of their ID.
“Skechers Saipan Marathon 2026 is even bigger than last year, and we invite the community to join the fun on Friday and Saturday,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We’re especially excited about our first-ever business expo, designed to spotlight local businesses and artisans while welcoming runners, families, and visitors.”
On race day Saturday, the 5K, 10K, and half marathon courses start at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, proceeding south along Beach Road and back. Full marathon runners will head north to Marpi in the pre-dawn hours before joining the Beach Road course. The community is invited to cheer runners along the route.
The awards ceremony for top finishers begins at 8:30 a.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. Following the race, finishers can pick up a grab-and-go meal from The Terrace restaurant and access the Runners Lounge at the Ataari dinner show venue, featuring recovery-focused vendors. Runners are also invited to post marathon and expo photos to Facebook or Instagram by 10:00 a.m. using the hashtags #SaipanMarathon2026 and #FarFromOrdinary for a chance to win prizes.
Participants representing countries and territories including China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Caledonia, Serbia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom are expected to compete. The course is a certified measured route by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
“With over 700 runners on the roads Saturday morning, we request everyone’s help in keeping each and every runner safe,” said MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz. “Drivers, please keep an eye out for runners, drive carefully, and follow the directions of all traffic officers.”
The marathon is co-organized by MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics and is sanctioned under NMA official rules and regulations. Title sponsor is Skechers, with Coca-Cola and Powerade as Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors are United Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Gold’s Gym Saipan, and IT&E.
