RUN PARADISE: SAIPAN MARATHON 2026 RETURNS MARCH 7 IN THE MARIANAS
World-class race invites runners worldwide to experience breathtaking scenery and island hospitality
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – Imagine racing along turquoise seas, by lush tropical greenery, and past historic World War II sites as the sun rises over the western Pacific. The Saipan Marathon 2026 is set for March 7, 2026, in The Marianas, inviting athletes from around the world to test their endurance in paradise.
Organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the annual event will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with online registration opening this month at www.raceroster.com. The Saipan Marathon course is officially certified and measured by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), ensuring international standards for elite and amateur runners alike.
“The Saipan Marathon is more than a race—it’s an adventure that combines sport, culture, and the unmatched beauty of The Marianas,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “Last year, over 600 runners from 19 countries and territories joined us, and we look forward to welcoming even more in 2026. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the journey, the Saipan Marathon offers an unforgettable experience.”
A Signature Race in Paradise
First held in 2006, the Saipan Marathon has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated sporting events, attracting runners, families, and supporters who often extend their stay to explore the islands. Previous events have drawn participants from across the region, nation, and globe, generating both competition and camaraderie along Saipan’s scenic coastline.
The course highlights the natural beauty and history of The Marianas, including ruins from the islands’ pivotal role during World War II, relics from the administrative eras of Japan, Germany, and Spain, and more. Runners are welcomed by enthusiastic locals, reflecting the island’s warm hospitality and multicultural spirit.
Registration Opens Soon
Registration for the Saipan Marathon 2026 opens in October 2025 at www.raceroster.com. Early sign-ups are encouraged, as the event traditionally attracts hundreds of international participants.
For more information, visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at 1.670.664.3210 or [email protected].
FILE - Flowering bougainvillea frame 76-year old Masaaki Niki, left, and 66-year-old Chohei Funak Koshi of Japan as they run the full marathon course of Saipan Marathon 2018 in The Marianas. Registration for Saipan Marathon 2026 on March 7, 2026, will open in October 2025 at www.raceroster.com.
The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities. From Korea Republic, Jeju Air and T’Way provide direct flights to Saipan from Seoul-Incheon. United Airlines flies three times a week from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, and daily from Guam. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong, China. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air. For more information on The Marianas, visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas.