MARIANAS SET TO CELEBRATE SKECHERS SAIPAN MARATHON 2026 ON MARCH 7
Marathon Business Expo on March 6
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) — Organizers are putting the final touches on preparations for Saturday’s (March 7) 18th Annual SKECHERS Saipan Marathon, inviting the community to join the festivities during the Marianas’ largest annual road race.
Over 700 registrants from around the globe have registered for the event, with registration for the 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon open until Wednesday (March 4) at www.mymarianas.com.
Businesses, community groups, and families are invited to cheer for runners on Saturday along the route, with the 5K, 10K, and half marathon courses starting at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, proceeding south along Beach Road and back. Full marathon runners will first proceed north to Marpi in the pre-dawn hours before joining the Beach Road pack.
The first ever SKECHERS Saipan Marathon Business Expo will be open to the public on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, a partnership of the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and the CNMI Dept. of Commerce featuring local businesses offering products, services, and experiences aligned with sports and health. Mandatory race packet pick-up will be available during the entire expo and up until 5 p.m. at the Ataari Dinner Show pavilion.
“SKECHERS Saipan Marathon 2026 is even bigger than last year, and we invite the community to join the fun on Friday and Saturday,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We’re especially excited about our first-ever business expo, designed to spotlight local businesses and artisans while welcoming runners, families, and visitors. We’ve created a high-quality, unified experience for visitors that aims to improve their marathon experience by connecting them to local businesses. Let’s celebrate the SKECHERS Saipan Marathon together!”
Business expo vendors will include 500 Sails, Atkins Kroll Saipan (Rental Dept), Bishu™️ Marianas, Bonitu Basula, Cazimi Escape & Relax, Chef Celena Rocks, Dae Jam Kum Catering, Enterprise Car Rental, Fit Bloom, Freedom Chicks Hospitality, Galuti Club, Gold's Gym Saipan, Leyah’s Arts & Crafts, MIND2MUSCLE670, Pacific Islands Nutrition in Action (PIÑA), Peter's Reef Fish & Cater, RoberToy, Saipan Surf Company, Susan's Catering, and The Kuxsins.
Along with title sponsor SKECHERS, this year’s marathon Platinum Sponsor is Coca-Cola/Powerade. Gold Sponsors are United Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-car, Gold’s Gym Saipan, and IT&E.
SKECHERS Saipan Marathon 2026 is co-organized by the MVA and Northern Marianas Athletics (NMA) and is a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Runners are anticipated to gather on this small Pacific island representing countries and territories around the world, including China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Marianas, New Caledonia, Serbia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
Aid stations will be manned by volunteers from Saipan Mayor’s Office, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, ASC Trust, Atkins Kroll Saipan, Bridge Capital, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Kinpachi Restaurant, Marianas Lady Eagles Club, Pacific Island Club Saipan, Saipan Unity Lions Club and Saipan World Resort.
“Once again, community support has been overwhelming for this year’s marathon, and we really appreciate the support,” said MVA Community Projects Coordinator and main event coordinator Ed Diaz. “With over 700 runners on the roads on Saturday morning, we also request everyone’s help in keeping each and every runner safe. Drivers, please keep an eye out for runners on the road, drive careful, and follow the directions of all traffic officers. This is one small way we can demonstrate our Far From Ordinary Marianas respect and hospitality and continue building our positive reputation.”
Valid photo identification is required for Friday’s race packet pickup. Participants may send a representative to pick up their race packet only with a written authorization and a copy of the participant’s valid photo ID.
The awards ceremony for top finishers will be held on race day beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. Age division winners may also claim their prizes at this time. The Runners Lounge will feature options for runners to decompress and relax after the race, with select vendors offering recovery-focused experiences, services, and products designed to help participants recharge after their run Finishers may pick up a “grab and go” meal fresh from the resort’s kitchen at the entrance to The Terrace restaurant and then avail of the Runners Lounge at the Ataari dinner show venue.
For a chance to win prizes, runners are also invited to post their marathon and expo photos to Facebook or Instagram by 10 a.m. with the hashtags #SaipanMarathon2026 and #FarFromOrdinary, tagging @Skechers and [email protected]. Contest winners will be notified via their social media account and win prizes distributed digitally or redeemable at the Runners Lounge from 12–2 p.m.
All Participants Receive:
- Official Saipan Marathon 2026 Booklet
- Limited Edition Official Saipan Marathon 2026 T-shirt
- Certificate of Completion (see QR code in race booklet to download)
- An official Saipan Marathon 2026 medal
- Awards Ceremony access
Saipan Marathon is sanctioned under NMA official rules and regulations. The final deadline to register is 5:00 p.m. ChST on March 4, 2026. For more information or to register, visit raceroster.com or www.mymarianas.com, or contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at 1.670.664.3210 or [email protected].
Over 700 worldwide participants have registered so far at www.raceroster.com for Saipan Marathon 2026 on March 7, 2026, in the Marianas. The course is certified by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
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 Guam4. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong, China. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air and Micronesian Air Connection Services. For more information on the Marianas. visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas.