O’Sullivan cooks up 3-peat in annual mile race

While the world waited for the clock to strike midnight to welcome the new year, some kicked off the last day of 2025 with a bang—an early morning run in the Run Saipan Run From ’25 1-mile race at the Oleai Sports Complex.

Just like clockwork, one runner won it again. Chef Jody O’Sullivan clocked the fastest time on the new course, which started on the track and field and headed north toward Modern Stationery and back. O’Sullivan has now won the one-miler three years in a row, finishing this time in 5:34. Victor Neil Santos took second at 5:47, while Dave Odicta placed third with a time of six minutes flat.

After the race, O’Sullivan said, “I’m really happy to have done a decent time and really happy to have won as well.” On the new course, he added, “It’s actually lovely. The last few ones have been down at Peace Park, but this is lovely. There was kind of a change of scenery, change of terrain—it was good. As usual, Run Saipan put on a really tight event.”

In the women’s division, Tammy Ackerman finished first at 6:24. Nelly Min took second at 7:59, and Errica Long rounded out the top three with a time of 8:44.

Along with celebrating the end of the year, a few runners also used the race to mark a milestone after completing another full year of running every day. Sheila Isla and Marjorie Ganacias completed their 1,096th day—marking their third year of running daily—while Northern Marianas College President Galvin Deleon Guerrero wrapped up his fourth year.

Deleon Guerrero said, “Run Saipan puts on a lot of great events. It helps keep everyone healthy. There’s great camaraderie among the runners, and you don’t have to be a hardcore runner to do Run Saipan events. Today’s event was just one mile. It was a different route, but still invigorating.”

During the awards ceremony, Run Saipan also presented its Excellence Service Award to one of its officials and photographer Jonathan Sugatan. Robin Sapong said, “We want to shout out a special person who comes out and tells our story through photos. Most of his photos went out there without being charged. He’s been with us since we were underground, and now we’re above ground in a world-class facility.” Sapong then thanked Sugatan for his service as he continues his military service in the states.