SAIPAN — Registration for the 18th Annual SKECHERS Saipan Marathon has passed 560 participants, with race organizers announcing that registration rates will increase after February 25 for the March 7 event.
The Saipan Marathon is the Marianas Visitors Authority’s signature annual race event and is co-organized with Northern Marianas Athletics. This year the race will feature new start and finish line at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, with the marathon returning to the Beach Road course
Organizers said the course is a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
Runners are expected from across the region and overseas, including participants from China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Marianas, New Caledonia, Serbia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron said the event will welcome both local and visiting athletes while highlighting the islands and the broader community experience around race weekend. She also thanked title sponsor SKECHERS, saying the partnership is helping expand the event experience for runners and the public.
A new feature this year is the first Saipan Marathon Business Expo, scheduled for March 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. The expo is a partnership with the CNMI Department of Commerce and will feature local businesses offering sports- and health-related products, services, and experiences.
