MANDELL, PAZ SWEEP LIBERATION RACES

By Gabby Tesoro

Runners of all ages gathered on Tuesday morning for the annual Liberation Day 5K and One-Mile races hosted by the Guam Running Club. It remains as one of Guam’s longest-running Liberation Day traditions despite the cancellation of the parade due to Typhoon Bavi. While runners missed the usual crowds and festivities, many agreed the course was easier to navigate without the heavy foot traffic and distractions.

The race started at 7:21 a.m., symbolizing the date Guam was liberated on July 21, 1944, with runners making their way from Adelup to Chamorro Village.

Many participants took on both races, starting with the 5K at 6 a.m. before lining up again for the One Mile. Leading the way were Derek Mandell and Keira Paz, who swept both events by finishing as the male and female top finishers in the One Mile and in their respective divisions for the 5K.

Derek Mandell

For Mandell, this year’s victory was especially meaningful. After finishing second in both races the past few years, he finally completed the double by winning both the 5K Sub-Master Division (17:53) and One Mile (04:45).

The longtime runner has been competing in the Liberation Day One Mile since he was around six or seven years old. “I’ve been doing this since I was in elementary school,” Mandell said. “I’ve been placing near the top since high school. It’s just something I enjoy.”

Although he won the One Mile, Mandell said he doesn’t specifically train for shorter races. “My training is geared more toward longer distances,” he said. “So when it comes to the one mile, you just have to go all out.”

Even without the parade, Mandell said the running community still brought life to the empty roads. “The runners always bring the same type of energy,” he said. “Without the crowds, you can focus more on your own pace instead of getting caught up in the excitement and going out too fast.”

Keira Paz

Paz also had a memorable morning, winning both the women’s 5K Open Division (20:15) and One Mile (05:55) titles. While she’s competed in the Liberation Day 5K before, this marked her first time racing the One Mile.

“I was really hoping to get first, and I’m really glad I did,” Paz said. The 21-year-old credited her preparation to the training she’s continued after recently competing with Guam’s national team in Australia.

Like Mandell, Paz noticed the difference without the usual Liberation Day celebrations lining the course. “There were fewer people, so it made the course easier,” she said. “There was less smoke and fewer people to dodge during the race. I do miss the parade and all the food trucks because that’s part of what makes Liberation Day special, but the course was definitely easier this year.”

Although she wasn’t sure what to expect in her One-Mile debut, Paz was happy to come away with two victories. “I’m just grateful to be here and grateful that I placed,” she said.

After capping off the morning with a pair of first-place finishes, they both look forward to spending the rest of their Liberation Day with loved ones. Paz said she plans to celebrate with friends, while Mandell is looking forward to enjoying the holiday.

FINAL RESULTS HERE: https://my.raceresult.com/404161/results