Runners Flock to Saipan and Rota for Tropical Thrills – Here’s Why

As temperatures drop below freezing level, it’s clear that winter has truly begun. Even though the mercury may rise above freezing occasionally, as the cold weather sets in, outdoor activities inevitably decrease. This is true for runners as well, who risk injuries like muscle contractions if they push too hard in the cold. As a result, their attention turns to warmer southern regions, even considering destinations across the sea.

With a flight time of just 4.5 hours, you can run in a natural paradise boasting mild weather year-round, with temperatures ranging between 75-88 degrees Fahrenheit. This is Saipan, a top vacation spot. Especially in early next year, two major marathons will be hosted in Saipan and Rota, both part of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The neighboring island of Rota, a 30-minute flight from Saipan, will host the Rota Marathon on January 13th of next year. The marathon, which has full, half, and 5km courses, will start at the Rota Round House, a community center in Songsong Village. This will be the first Rota Marathon.

The Rota Marathon was planned to showcase the beauty of Rota, a small, clean island approximately 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Participants can choose to run a full course (26.2 miles), half course (13.1 miles), or a 5km course.

An early bird registration fee of $30 for the full/half courses and $10 for the 5km course is applicable for those who register by November 30th this year. From December, the registration fee will increase by $10. All participants will receive a Rota Marathon packet that includes a race t-shirt, participant medal, and admission ticket to the awards ceremony.

Participants must pick up their packets at the Rota Round House between 5-6 pm on January 12th, the day before the race. Winners from each course will be selected for both men and women, with cash prizes up to $500.

The 16th Saipan Marathon, which also offers full, half, 10km, and 5km courses, will take place on March 9th. The race will start at the American Memorial Park in downtown Garapan, Saipan. All four courses, including the full (26.2 miles), half (13.1 miles), 10km, and 5km, have been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

For those who register by December 31st this year, the early bird registration fee is $90 for the full course and $60 for the half/10km/5km courses. All participants will receive a Saipan Marathon packet that includes a race t-shirt, participant medal, finisher’s certificate, and admission ticket to the awards ceremony. Participants must pick up their packets at the American Memorial Park’s amphitheater between 3-4 pm on March 8th, the day before the race. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each course.