Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) has struck a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with RUNABLE Co., Ltd., a leading running platform in South Korea to actively promote Saipan Marathon 2025 by introducing creative marathon-themed tour products that combine running and tourism.
Through this partnership, the MVA will highlight to Korean runners the charm and natural beauty of The Marianas, located just 4.5-hour flying time from Seoul. The initiative will position The Marianas as a premier running destination by leveraging collaborative efforts and unique offerings centered on Saipan Marathon scheduled for March 8, 2025.
An official signing ceremony was held on December 11, 2024, at RUNABLE headquarters in Seoul.
“This agreement provides an exceptional opportunity to blend Korea’s rapidly growing running culture with The Marianas' stunning natural beauty, sports-ready infrastructure, and vibrant local culture,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “By
collaborating with RUNABLE, we aim to position the Saipan Marathon as a must-attend sport event for Korean runners, delivering an unforgettable running experience in a tropical paradise.”
A signing ceremony was also attended by Young-ho Ryu, CEO of RUNABLE. During the MOU ceremony, executives shared their vision for collaboration and outlined actionable strategies for success.
“We are thrilled to partner with the MVA to offer runners an unparalleled chance to explore the beauty and charm of The Marianas,” said Ryu. “Through this collaboration, we will continue to support the global running community by creating innovative content that integrates running with tourism and adventure. RUNABLE’s association with the JTBC Seoul Marathon, one of the largest marathons in South Korea with over 40,000 runners this year, will prove beneficial for our event organizers and participants.”
To engage participants in advance, a "virtual run" themed around a Saipan getaway will reward runners for completing designated missions. Additionally, Saipan Marathon-inspired run-trip tour products will launch on the RUNABLE app this month, providing a blend of fitness and adventure.
Additionally, the partnership is expected to attract the attention of Korean runners through various promotions, including joint marketing and collaborations between Saipan Marathon and the JTBC Seoul Marathon, one of Korea’s largest marathons, hosted by RUNABLE.
An annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and organized in cooperation with Northern Marianas Athletics, Saipan is a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). Registration is open at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/92790/saipan-marathon-2025.
For more information, visit https://raceroster.com or contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at 1.670.664.3210 or communityprojects@mymarianas.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 South Korea, 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. 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.
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