(MVA) — Saturday’s (Dec. 6) Hell of the Marianas century cycle marked multiple wins and gains for the annual event on the island of Saipan.
It was a dramatic finish in the Men’s Pro/Elite Long Course, with Blayde Blas of Guam barely edging out Tomonobu Kato of Japan, with Blas finishing in 3:26.33 and Kato only microseconds behind. On the Open Long Course, Fred Remilloza (3:26.31) of the Marianas rode his home court advantage to the finish line in the Men’s Division. Second place was another photo finish, as Joel Buco of the Marianas came down to the wire in 3:43;24,011, narrowly besting Kijoo Kwon (3:43:24,463) of South Korea. For the Open Long Course Women’s Division, it was a Marianas trio of Robyn Spaeth (4:43:11), Kimiko McKagan (4:48:30), and Kerri Bauer (4:59:22).
For the 50KM Short Course, the Men’s Division was topped by Renren Gaviola (01:28:50), Christian Villacrusis (1:28:51), and Nap Dizon (1:28:51), all of the Marianas. The Women’s Division was led by Heather Brook (1:38:02) of the Marianas, Jay Anne Felipe (1:44:04) of the Philippines, and Marjorie Ganacias (1:56:31) of USA.
The 50K MTB course was led by Briann Ytack (1:34:19) of the Marianas, while Michael Aparte (1:36:35) of the Philippines and Wifi Dela Rose (1:36:36) of the Marianas taking it down to the wire. The Women’s Division was let by Rose Fontanilla (2:08:49), Rose Ann Mascarinas (2:20:44), and Monique Era Mascarinas (2:54:46) of the Marianas.
Participants from Mexico and Ireland rounded out the pack of 110 registrants from 8 countries and territories who participated. For the first time, the Marianas Visitors Authority was joined by Saipan Unity Lions Club in organizing the event.
“We are extremely proud of the athletes who took on this year’s Hell of the Marianas and delivered an exciting and competitive race. Our gratitude goes out to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partnering agencies whose support makes this event possible.,” said Race Director Jay Diyco.
The Hell of the Marianas is held annually in December and features a 100-kilometer course that winds its way through Saipan’s hills, valleys, and scenic byways. Participants must navigate 4,900 feet of ascents, including steep climbs and fast descents, making it a true test of endurance and skill.
“As our first year working with Saipan Unity Lions Club for Hell of the Marianas, MVA is impressed and grateful for the smooth execution of the race, club’s attention to detail, and the many new partnerships they’ve formed with sponsors and supporters this year. They’ve done a tremendous job,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We would also like to thank all the community members, in general, who helped in other ways. The cheering stations along the route by our school MY WAVE clubs and others were very enthusiastic and helped make the race Far From Ordinary this year, too. A great job!”
Sponsors and supporters
The race was sponsored by Coca-Cola/BodyArmor/Powerade/ForemostQuench Purified Water, Aga Enterprises, Atkins Kroll Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, CTSI Logistics, BL Machine Shop, D&Q International, D&W Enterprises, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, GenPro, Global Security Agency, GPPC, Graphics, Hwang Jae Corporation, Himawari, JMI Saipan, K.L. Carr, LJ Lawncare, MARPC, Pacific Hardware, Pacific Health Inc., Pacifica Insurance, Puerto Rico Bento, RNV Construction, Saipan Bike Pro, Saipan Stevedore, Tan Holdings Corp., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, TurnKey Solutions, United Airlines, Victory Enterprises, WSTCO, Wushin and Zone 3 Chair Lion Carol Tamparong. Event supporters are the CNMI Office of the Governor, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services, and the Division of Parks and Recreation.
