The annual signature event of Marianas Visitors Authority was co-sponsored by the Rota Mayor’s Office and the Kiyokazu Fitness Club of Japan, which was instrumental in attracting 116 Japanese athletes this year. 12 participants from Guam and two from Rota joined the pack.
“Once again, the community of Rota rolled out the red carpet to welcome our visiting athletes and the 18th Rota Blue was another success,” said MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas.
“Through the hard work of our Rota and Saipan staff, our government partners, and the private sponsors, we again showcased what makes Rota a great destination.”
The event was also covered by Japan-based media, generating more publicity for Rota in its primary tourism market.
Japanese athletes swept all the top spots last week Saturday. In the A-type solo course, which featured a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike ride and 10-km run, Shirato led the men’s division with 2:12:59. Hidea Miyazuka and Ayato Matsuyama followed with 2:24:14 and 2:26:53, respectively.
Arriving first in the women’s division was Niwa Nahoko with 2:44:23, trailed by Akiko Murata (2:47:37) and Sonoko Matsubara (2:52:09).
The rigorous B-type solo course featured a 2-km swim, 90-km bike ride, and 21-km run.
Japan’s Katsumi Kimura led all competitors in the B-type course. Masaaki Sato ranked second with 5:05:34 and Kazuto Ito placed third at 5:10:16.
Toshimi Doi was the top finisher in the women’s division with 6:25:45, followed by Kaori Suzuki (6:58:29) and Aya Yamamoto (7:03:58).
At 62, Japan’s Syozo Ikeda was the oldest competitor to finish the triathlon, ending the B-type course in 6:27:42.
18-year-old Guam native Ayn Justine Charfauros completed the team challenge course in 3:33:44.
Participants were welcomed and congratulated by Rota’s Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola and other dignitaries in an awards banquet at the Rota East Harbor.
The Rota Blue Triathlon is one of four major triathlon events held in the NMI each year. The others include the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon.
The triathlon was also sponsored by Rota Resort and Country Club, Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar, JSBM, Aqua Gift Shop, Mark Michael, RUBIN, Sirena, Pacific Development Inc., Kinki Nippon Tourist Company Ltd., Department of Public Safety, and other government departments and agencies in Rota.
