Triathlon: Tagaman Triathlon
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ 6:00 AM
Where: Micro Beach, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Divisions: Age Group, Relays
Distance: 2km Swim, 60km Bike, 15km Run
Website: www.tagaman.com
History of the Tagaman Triathlon
The Tagaman Triathlon was established by the then Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, JM Guerrero, to promote tourism, and with the help of Kinki Nippon Tours and a trip to Miyakojima for their major triathlon, a small island south of Japan, the seed was planted.
The first Tagaman Triathlon was held in 1988, on Saipan, with the assistance of the All Japan Triathlon Club, who helped not only as officials but even brought a few bikes for the local athletes. This was the beginning of triathlons on Saipan and the existence of the Tagaman Triathlon.
Participation grew to over 300 in 1992 and then leveled off to around 200 triathletes. The majority of participants in the early years were from Japan, with a good number from Australia, Hawaii and the USA, Hong Kong and Guam. In recent years we have seen more participants from Korea, and other Asian and Pacific Island nations; we even have participants coming from Europe.
The Tagaman is the longest running race in the Western Pacific, drawing its name and inspiration from TAGAMAN, a legendary king of the ancient Chamorros. His feats of strength included moving huge boulders carved as capstones, known as Taga Stones, a unique remnant of the original island people of the Marianas.
Triathletes of all levels and ages, and challenged athletes are welcome. A few years ago the race was opened to relay teams. The course has changed over the years to make it more inviting and now traces the island from its southern tip to the northern tip at Bird Island, and finishes with the run in the center of the island at the famous Micro Beach.
The course starts in the crystal clear waters in San Antonio fronting the Pacific Islands Club Resort and Hotel, and transitions into of the most beautiful bike courses, traversing the entire length of the island with stunning views of Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, and challenging hills of Mount Topachau. After returning to majestic Micro Beach for T2, racers enjoy a flat run along the western lagoon and through the tree lines of historic American Memorial Park.
In 2002, the Taga Kids Triathlon was initiated for kids ages 6-15 year old.
Registraion is currently open for the 20th Anniversary of the Tagaman Triathlon which is set to take placee on April 25th, 2009.
Saipan, the largest of the Marianas Islands, is a small island, formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and since 1986 known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is located about 100 miles north of Guam and 1500 miles southwest of Japan. The population of about 60,000 is a mix of many nationalities. The economy of Saipan relies heavily on tourism. The beautiful island of Saipan experiences a mean temperature of 85 degrees all year round, with an average water temperature of 81 degrees.
Several years ago Team Unlimited brought the well known XTERRA race to Saipan. It's one of the qualifier races for the XTERRA World Championships. The off-road triathlon is known as the “jewel of the Pacific” and is held along with the Tagaman Triathlon on consecutive weekends. 2009 will mark the 7th XTERRA SAIPAN Championship on April 18th, 2009 and the 20th Tagaman Triathlon on April 25th, 2009.
The Pacific Islands Hotel is the official hotel of this event. www.picresorts.com
For further information see www.saipansports.com or go directly to www.tagaman.com or www.xterrasaipan.com, or contact us via email: jma-asoc@pticom.com.
