In the men’s division, Buco had a strong start and kept the pace throughout the tough course that started at the former Mariana Resort.
The riders then proceeded to Mobil Tanapag and through the infamous “5 corners” with the first corner located at the old radar site before making the climb to Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, the Grotto and Banzai Cliff.
The fun did not end there as they had to head to the former La Fiesta and repeat the “corners,” excluding the old radar site, before reaching the finish line at the former Mariana Resort.
Buco built enough distance and crossed the finish line with a time of 02:19:37. Nap Dizon followed in second place, clocking at 02:22:51 while Arvin Velasco completed the top three list at 02:24:01.
Joel Buco and other bikers make their way through the “5 corners” during the 2020 Hell of the Marianas on Sunday. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Riders push through the Hell of the Marianas on Sunday. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
In the below-40 age category, Fred Remillosa was first (02:24:07), Ariel John Moses was second (02:27:41) and Renren Gaviola was third (02:35:18).
The 40-to-44 age category was claimed by Jacob Pacman who clocked at 02:31:36 and was followed by Edwin Morales (02:40:58) and Elmer Esdrelon (02:46:26).
Dennis Bautista took the 45-to-49 age category with a time of 02:34:24 while Harold Balana was second with 02:36:19 and Enrique Suba was third at 02:45:33.
In the 50-to-54 age category, Mark Isip led the pack with a time of 02:28:10, beating Tyce Mister who was second with 02:34:32 and Bernard Laborce who was third with 03:01:38.
Robert Tamondong was numero uno in the 55-to-59 age category with a finish time of 02:29:43 while Floro Derexes was second with a time of 02:46:50 and Roger Valencia came in third with 02:49:26.
For the 60-and-above category, Virgilio Laxamana was first (02:38:20); Willy Barbo, second (02:49:31); and Tony Stearns, third (02:57:26).
Women’s division
In the women’s division, it was a head-to-head battle for first place with Robyn Spaeth winning by a hair over Ayano Braxton in the final push.
Spaeth clocked in at 02:46:52 while Braxton settled for second place just two seconds behind. Kimiko McKagan was third with a time of 02:47:40.
In the below-40 age category, it was Shawna Brenfleck who came out on top with a time of 02:59:02 followed by Kathy Ruszala in second place with 03:07:03 and Kerri Bauer in third with 03:10:22.
Yuki Rechucher shared the spotlight as the lone rider in the 40-to-44 age category with a finish time of 03:08:23.
