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The 20th Asia Pacific Invitational Cross Country Championships took place Friday at John F. Kennedy High School, featuring over 150 runners from Guam, Japan, Korea, Palau, and the CNMI. St. Mary’s (Japan) junior Noah Takato secured first place in the boys race on the JFK cross country course, which traversed both the track and a jungle area. Takato, who was part of the lead pack, made his decisive move with just over a mile remaining. “I made my kick about 3K into the race, around the grass area of the course. Ben Cox from ASIJ (American School in Japan) was pushing me, and I passed him around that same grass area. He stuck with me, but I felt I had more energy today,” Takato said. He added, “Ben was motivating me today. He actually encouraged me and told me to go and win this today.” The ASIJ boys team delivered an outstanding collective performance, with four runners finishing in the top 15, earning valuable team points. “Individually, I felt we did poorly today. But as a group, we did really well. Our coach makes us run in groups, and that is one of our strong points,” said ASIJ’s Kai Terada. “Our team is like family; we hang out with each other outside of practice. We encourage each other to do well, and our community supports us, which is why we are so powerful as a group.” Beyond the competition, Terada expressed his desire to explore and visit the beach. “My friends from Guam High said there’s a really nice beach on the other side of the island. In Tokyo, it’s getting colder, so I want to enjoy the beach while I’m here.” Konda wins girls’ race Christian Academy in Japan’s (CAJ) Chaitra Konda claimed victory in the girls’ race. Konda started strong and maintained her lead throughout, adding another win to her 2025 record. “My teammates encouraged me a lot, and my parents are here as well, so they really supported me,” Konda shared. Konda, a junior at CAJ, previously raced on Guam as a freshman in 2023. She aimed for a stronger performance this year after fainting post-race two years ago. “It’s a bit of a redemption, but I’m thankful for the support I received from all of my teammates,” Konda said. Teams will participate in Day 2 of the API, a relay event held at Ypao Beach. After the relay, Konda, who is staying at PIC Hotel, plans to visit the waterpark. “I really want to go down to the poolside and also the beach,” Konda said. Locally, Guam High School had a group of runners finish in the top 20 for both divisions.
