PRESS RELEASE – More than 2,400 runners came out to celebrate the Guam National Guard’s 36th Anniversary and participate in its Annual Taotaomona 5K Run/Walk/Stroll at the Guam Premiere Outlets early this morning. This year’s theme, Diversity is Our Strength, Family is Our Value, stressed the importance of family support, diversity and resiliency to the success of the Guard mission.

Ryan Matienzo crushed the field, finishing first overall in a time of 16 minutes, 38 seconds. He was also first overall in the submaster division. Ben Middlebooke was second overall with a time of 17 minutes, 19 seconds, taking first place in the Mens Open Division, and Derek Mandell was third overall with a time of 17 minutes, 49 seconds. Yomika Sugahara was the first overall female finisher with a time of 20 minutes, 44 seconds, which was also first in the Womens Open Division. She was followed by Sarah Balloga, who finished in 21 minutes, 55 seconds, taking the Womens Submaster Division and Elizabeth Quintanilla was the third female finisher with a time of 22 minutes, 44 seconds, also taking the Girls Junior Division.

In the new Stroller Division, Roby Garrido, Lee San Nicolas and Kayne Kamminga took the Men’s prizes with Sophie Duenas, Deborah Hurchanik and Victoria Aguon were the winners in the Womens Stroller Division.

Dri-fit shirts were given to the first 1,500 registered finishers. All proceeds from this 5K will benefit the Guard’s Family Readiness Groups (FRGs). This organization within each unit takes care of the families on Guam when the Soldiers or Airmen are in training or deployed. The FRGs do so much to assist the families, keep them informed and even provide training on resiliency, stress management and an opportunity to network with other families.

Other division winners include Dameon Zenawick in the Boys Youth; Niya Marcos in the Girls Youth Division. Kyle Delos Santos took the Boys Junior Division. Cody Lallatin and Rosemarie Camacho were the top finishers in the Masters Division. Paul Cruz and Imelda Waldron took the Senior Division. Rol Mangahas and Anna Pangelinan topped the Grandmasters Division and Richard Harvey and Catherine Camacho took the Man’amko Division.

All other results and photos will be posted on the Guam National Guard Facebook page by Monday.

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