The women’s pro/elite top three finishers, Jiseon Jang, Miso Kim, and Yukako Suzuki pose with their cash prizes during the awards banquet of the 2024 Hell of Marianas at the Ataari Restaurant of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan on Saturday.
Dr. Ryo Inoue celebrates as he approaches the finish line of the 2024 Hell of the Marianas at the former Mariana Resort & Spa on Saturday morning.
MISO Kim successfully defended her women’s pro/elite division title in the 2024 Hell of the Marianas with a time of 3:29.28 — shaving off 15 minutes from her record last year.
The 100K course took competitors around the island, starting from the former Mariana Resort & Spa and passing famous landmarks such as the Four Corners, the Radar Climb, and the newly opened Route 36, before returning to the starting point.
The conditions this time were much better than last year, according to two-time champion Kim. “Last year it rained so it was very slippery, but today, it was only a little wet and sunnier. The overall road surface was very clean, and it felt really good to ride on,” she added.
Asked about her improved performance, Kim said, “Well, I’ve been working out more consistently this year and I just…competed in a four-day stage race in Korea a month ago, so I think I’ve become a lot more prepared.”
Kim added, “I remember falling down last year and having a really hard time, but this year was a lot less difficult. I’m really proud of having been given the privilege to win twice.”
Kim said the Hell of the Marianas “was tough but memorable, especially since I have fond memories of last year’s event that I’ve never experienced in Korea.”
In second place was Japan’s Yukako Suzuki with a time of 3:39:44 followed by Korea’s Jiseon Jang, who clocked at 5:11:11.
Men’s division
In the men’s pro/elite division, newcomer Dr. Ryo Inoue claimed first place overall with a time of 2:58:12.
This was Inoue’s first visit to Saipan. “The course was very hard but excellent,” he said. “It’s very similar to the races in Okinawa, but it’s much more humid in Japan.”
At the 50K halfway point, just before the Radar Climb, Inoue seized the lead.
Inoue was supposed to compete in Japan, but it was canceled and that was when he learned about the 2024 Hell of Marianas event. The 40-year-old plans to defend his title next year.
In second place was Japan’s Michiya Suzuki with a time of 3:04:31 followed by the Netherlands’ Rick Nobel at 3:08:34.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each division: $1,000, first place; $750, second place; and $500, third place.
The rest of the results will be featured in the next editions of Variety.
