Hundreds participate in 3rd Annual Veterans Day 5K

Over a hundred participants took to the new course at Paseo De Marianas in Garapan early on Veterans Day for the HYC-Run Saipan 3rd Annual Veterans Day 5K, honoring those who have served.

While most ran leisurely with friends and family, it was also a competitive race for some, with medals given out to the top runners in their respective divisions.

The spotlight was given to the veterans who joined the 5K. In the Male Veterans division, Matthew Furan took first place with a time of 24:23, followed by Leith Poole in second at 24:40, and Travis Spaeth in third with 26:08. For the Female Veterans division, Veronica Mendez-Arriola came out on top, finishing in 28:48.

Those who are currently serving in the military were also recognized. In the Male Armed Forces division, Terrence Leung clocked in at 24:14 for first, with Magic Cabrera close behind at 24:30, and Timmy Pangelinan in third with 25:47.

The Female Armed Forces division saw Hanoul Sky Lee finishing first at 26:05, followed by Joana Ridge at 28:48 and Kelsey Lizama at 32:07.

In the overall categories, speedster Victor Nash Santos is just racking up medals in all the races he’s joined, taking the gold with a time of 18:47, followed by Takeru Jim at 19:36 and Victor Neil Santos at 21:11. For the women, Dianna Zheng led the pack at 24:35, with An Bang in second at 25:20 and Lovel Spaeth finishing third at 26:22.

Furan, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp from 1990-1996 who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said that the race was important because all military branches were represented and recognized—whether active duty or veterans. “To see us come together in camaraderie and just to be able to get together, remembering the service of democracy and freedom, but also remembering those who couldn’t be here today,” he said. “For myself, I served with many who are no longer here—22 veterans a day committing suicide—it’s a pandemic and those who have died in the wars, after the wars. And so today, running, I’m running for those who can’t run anymore.”

HYC Corporation’s Michael Sheu for his part as the sponsor said, “We’re very happy and fortunate to be given the opportunity to help and support Run Saipan with this event. We do a lot of work with the military and you know it was a way for us to give back to the service members, to the veterans, to protect and serve our country—so we’re very happy and excited to be able to sponsor and be a part of this awesome day.”

In a message to the veterans, he said, “I mean, I don’t think we can say enough—I would rather try to show it, but you know, we really do appreciate the sacrifices that our service members put forth in the defense of this country, our freedom, and our values, so we’re very grateful for that.”

During the awards ceremony, Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who ran the race with her husband, gave Run Saipan a certificate of commendation in recognition for its leadership and commitment in hosting the 3rd Annual Veterans Day 5K honoring the men and women who have served the U.S. Armed Forces. “We super appreciate what you guys do for our community, so thank you guys,” she said.

By Leigh Gases