SAIPAN — Thirty runners from Japan and the Marianas will take on the Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run 81K this Saturday, January 17, retracing the historic sugarcane railway route that once crisscrossed Saipan during the Japanese administrative period in the early 1900s.
The endurance-focused “journey run,” jointly organized by Sports Aid Japan and MVA, is being held to commemorate the 150th birthday of Haruji Matsue, described by organizers as the legendary “Sugar King” who led development of the Marianas’ sugar industry and planned the railroad route.
The epic run starts and finishes at Micro Beach at American Memorial Park in Garapan. Organizers said a starting ceremony will be held at 4:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 5 a.m. The finish line closes 16 hours later at 9 p.m.
MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron said the event connects athletes and visitors to the Marianas’ stories, landscapes, and shared history, and said MVA will explore the potential for growing the event.
MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas said runners are expected to be on the course from pre-dawn until after dark and asked the public to help make the inaugural race safe by restraining pet dogs along the route and staying alert for runners throughout the day.
Organizers said runners will be able to refuel with local food at aid stations staffed by agencies and community groups. The Saipan Mayor’s Office is slated to provide sugarcane and other items at the bottom of Mt. Tapochau; the CNMI Historic Preservation Office and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will provide food on Capitol Hill; Saipan Unity Lion’s Club will provide fruit at Banzai Cliff; and National/Alamo Rent a Car will provide barbecue and additional dishes at Micro Beach. Additional water stations will also be available.
MVA said safety, self-sufficiency, and respect for natural and historical heritage are priorities. Participants must navigate using official course maps, pass checkpoints, and carry mandatory night gear and cell phones.
