Hundreds join x-country meet, Gecko 5000

Hundreds of runners, parents, families, and volunteers kept Banzai Cliff and Marpi buzzing early Saturday morning for the All Schools Cross Country qualifier and concurrent Annual SIS Gecko 5000 Fun Run.

The annual Gecko 5000 is a fundraiser for Saipan International School that has existed for over two decades, with the course spanning from Banzai Cliff to the Last Command Post, extending past the dump further up Marpi, then back.

“We’re so grateful to partner this race with PSS Cross Country meet,” SIS Headmaster Martin Jambor said.

With the course always at Marpi, Jambor said, “A wise man said if things are working, you don’t really have to change the wheel. So yeah, we kind of stick to the same plan. Look at the weather. For me, it’s the most beautiful, scenic run—it can’t get any better. I know parking can be a little issue in the morning but I think it’s totally worth it for the hassle.”

He then gave thanks to their partners and sponsors. “We’re all living in difficult times here after Sinlaku and the current economic situation, but we’re here and we’re very grateful for all the support that we’re getting from the community, so thank you so much.”

The team scores for the cross country meet are as follows: For elementary school boys, SCS was first at 37, TIN recorded 40, and WSR was third at 44. GES led elementary school girls with 50, SCS was second at 56, and BSS was third at 60. HMS was first for the middle school boys at 24, ACS was second at 35, and SIS was third with 36. SCS came in first for the middle school girls at 10, while RHI came in second at 30. As for the high school division, SIS swept it with the boys coming in with 18 and the girls recording 26. Second in the boys is MHS at 27, with ACS in third at 58. Second in the girls is also MHS at 30, and third is also ACS at 32.

The final cross country qualifier is set for this Saturday, Oct. 3 at the CPA Airport Field. The championships are set for Saturday, Oct. 10, with the venue TBA.