The top 10 men’s division non-pro long course finishers pose for a photo along with their prizes during the awards banquet of the 2024 Hell of the Marianas at the Ataari Restaurant of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
The five competitors in the women’s division non-pro long course pose for a photo along with their prizes during the awards banquet of the 2024 Hell of the Marianas at the Ataari Restaurant of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
THE 2024 Hell of the Marianas featured a non-pro category, with Ryusei Kuragagi and Robyn Spaeth emerging as the top finishers in their respective divisions on Saturday.
Kuragagi of Japan claimed first overall and topped the men’s division with a time of 3:32:51. In second place was the CNMI’s Arvin Velasco, who clocked 3:34:36 while Guam’s Dan Aponik settled for third at 3:46:43.
In the women’s division, Spaeth of the CNMI finished 20 minutes ahead of the competition with a time of 4:28:14. Japan’s Kimiko McKagan secured second place with a time of 4:47:52, followed by Korea’s Eunji Bong in third at 5:11:10. Despite an accident, Bong persevered to complete the race.
Vince Seman, president of the NMI Cycling Federation, acknowledged the strong turnout in this year’s event.
“There has never been a time when we’ve wished for more competitors,” he said. “Saipan has so much to offer — this really is such a unique location as we are blessed with the topography to make this a true ‘hell’ for the riders with all the climbs.”
He added, “We had a lot of repeats from off-island so we must be doing something right. What makes this an accomplishment and success is the enjoyment of the riders.”
As in the previous races, this year’s HOM saw a few incidents.
“When you’re biking 100km there’s always an accident to a degree but, fortunately, they were OK and able to walk it off,” Seman said.
He also acknowledged the women’s division winner, Miso Kim, for shaving 15 minutes off her previous time, as well as Ryo Inoue, who topped the race with a time under three hours.
This years HOM sponsors were TSL Foundation, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, United Airlines, Hawaiian Rock Product, Saipan Bike Pro, Seman Law Offices, Latte Built and TurnKey Solutions.
The event supporters included the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the Division of Parks and Recreation.
