National record for Tania in the half-marathon at Oceania Champs

CNMI’s Tania Tan raced off with a bang on July 4, setting a new CNMI national record in the half marathon with a time of 1:20.13 during the Oceania Half Marathon Championships and Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland, Australia.

While the Marianas were preparing for and hunkering down ahead of Super Typhoon Bavi over the weekend, Tan was racing to another national record, shaving about eight minutes off her previous mark of 1:28.40, which she set in the 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games.

With a flatter course than Palau's hilly terrain, Tan ran faster and, for the first time, competed in a half marathon on fresh legs.

"I was really excited to race!" she said. "I had never raced a half marathon on fresh legs. I've only ever raced it at the Games after running a 5K and 10K back-to-back, lol, so I was excited to see what I could run."

The weather also worked in her favor, as she said it was a calm and cool morning.

As for whether she achieved her goal in the race, Tan said, "I actually didn't achieve my 'A' goal. Deep down, I wanted to break 1:20 and just fell a few seconds short. But that's what's motivating me for next time, and I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to race a half marathon. Overall, though, I'm still very happy with my time because I never imagined running a 1:20, let alone almost breaking 1:20!"

For now, Tan said she has no other races planned and is focusing on rest and recovery.

Her message to the CNMI as residents braved yet another super typhoon in about three months was heartfelt. "I hope everyone back home is doing okay. I've been keeping track of the news, and it just hurts my heart to see everyone back home suffering again… Many people who don't live in the Pacific Islands say that climate change isn't real, but it most definitely is."