by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Almost 3,000 runners from around the region hit the streets this morning to participate in the 2014 Guam International Marathon hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Pacific Islands Club and United. Runners from Guam, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Hon Kong, Taiwan, Australia, United States and Palau took part in the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon.

In the men's division Koki Kawauchi from Japan won with a time of 2:38:06 while South Korea's Eunhee Yoon won the female division with a time of 3:04:43.

Other winners included:

Hideyuki Ikegami (Japan): Male Half Marathon / 1:09:28

Megumi Sugawara (Japan): Female Half Marathon/ 1:37:24

Kaoru Yamazuki (Japan): Male 10K/ 33:57

Saori Kawaii (Japan): Female 10K/ 38:41

Jinsu Song (South Korea): Male 5K/ 17:48

Amy Atkinson (Oregon): Female 5K/ 21:47

Nearly 660 runners took part in the marathon, about 670 in the half marathon, 689 in the 10K and over 930 runners in the 5K. Guam International Marathon proceeds benefit the Tourism Education Council and the Island-wide Beautification Task Force."The Guam International Marathon is a signature sports tourism event and brings in economic incentives for our island community," said Karl Pangelinan, Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager. "By hosting this event, an estimated $6.7 million in spending is infused into our economy by international participants, their families and friends. This spending represents overseas money Guam has captured because of this event."

"On behalf of the Guam International Marathon, we congratulate and thank our participants, volunteers, media partners, supporters and sponsors of GIM. We're extremely pleased with this year's record turnout and we encourage everyone to join us again for the 2015 Guam International Marathon on April 12, 2015," said GIM Race Director, Ben Ferguson.

The Guam International Marathon is also sponsored by ASC Trust Corporation, Bank of Guam, DFS Galleria, Docomo Pacific, Powerade, Nanbo Insurance, Tokio Marine Pacific, SPPC 76 and Circle K, Luckland, TakeCare, Taico and the stations of KUAM.