Melo Villareal
Race underway for the 3rd Annual Guam International Marathon
The stage is set for the third Guam International Marathon (GIM) happening in Ypao Beach in Tumon, Guam this coming April 12, 2015. There are four race categories that runners can join this year: the 5K, 10K, half marathon (13.1 miles) and the full marathon (26.2 miles).
Guam International Marathon
The biggest marathon in the region, the Guam International Marathon 2015 invites runners and marathoners from all around the globe. On its third year, GIM is certified by the International Association of Athletic Federation and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races as an official qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, the pinnacle for many marathoners.
Guam International Marathon
This year’s races for the GIM will feature enhancements to the race course. There will be an increase in the number of amenities and aid stations that will provide water, energy gels and other sports drinks. Runners will also find cool zones as they run the course.
Other stations with live entertainment and cheerers will also be placed along the race course.
Among the improvements to look forward to in this year’s Guam International Marathon is an expanded post-race Finisher’s Festival, where participants can celebrate after their run. The festivities will begin at Gov. Joseph A Flores Memorial Park, located in Ypao Beach in Tumon, at 6:30 a.m. There will be food and drinks available for attendees, and live music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Last years Guam International Marathon participant
Apart from the Finisher’s Festival, there will also be event expo that runners and other guests can check out.
World-renowned Olympic gold medalist and Japanese long-distance runner Naoko Takahashi is this year’s GIM event ambassador. Her groundbreaking 2000 Olympic Games victory in Sydney, Australia was much celebrated. Apart from that, she was the first woman to break the 2:20 barrier during her record-breaking performance at the 2001 Berlin Marathon.
This year’s Guam International Marathon would not be possible without the help of the following: Guam Visitors Bureau, Pacific Islands Club and United Airlines. For registration and event details, visit their website at www.guaminternationalmarathon.com, or visit the Guam Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitguamusa.
Also Read: 10 Reasons why Filipino Travelers should visit Guam
