Hell of the Marianas awareness grows in Korea

Cyclists with the South Korean amateur extreme sports team NOEXCUSE prepare to commence the Hell of The Marianas century cycle on Dec. 2, 2017, in Saipan. (Contributed Photo)

The Marianas Visitors Authority continues to increase public awareness in South Korea of the annual Hell of The Marianas century cycle with this year’s successfully recruitment of 24 Korean participants and a press FAM tour to cover the event.

The 2017 Hell of The Marianas attracted 181 registrants from 11 countries. Seventeen of the participating Korean athletes were attached to leading amateur extreme sports team NOEXCUSE. With leader Kyung-sang Kwon, the participating members experienced Micronesia’s most challenging 100K cycling course, highlighted by the untapped natural beauty of Saipan at its most distinguished attractions, including Suicide Cliff, Bird Island Lookout, and Banzai Cliff. All 24 Korean participants finished the race safely and successfully.

“Definitely, it was one of the most challenging, yet enjoyable, cycling events,” said Kwon through a translator, following the race. “Although the courses were really tough, the beautiful nature gave me much relaxation and happiness that I occasionally forgot about physically draining moments.”

He added that event operations went smoothly and put the cyclists’ minds at ease. After the race, NOEXCUSE members snorkeled at award-winning Managaha.

Meanwhile, six editors and photographers from four Korean publications conducted in-depth reports on the event. The media covered the entire cycling course and conducted interviews with Kwon and Hyo-suk Gong, NOEXCUSE’s advisor and a former member of South Korea’s national cycling team. Under several themes, including “Men’s Paradise: Saipan,” “Explore the Most Exciting Travel Destination, Saipan,” and “Face the Challenge, Hell of The Marianas,” the media will highlight and provide details of the race. After the event, the media visited major tourist attractions including Micro Beach, Mt. Tapochao, Ladder Beach, and the Korean Peace Memorial, while also experiencing an ATV tour and a dinner show at Fiesta Resort & Spa.

The media also visited Tinian over two days, emphasizing the island as the best place for snorkeling and swimming, while also raising awareness of Tinian as a historically and culturally significant destination. The group toured the Blow Hole, Taga Beach, Tachogna Beach, Broadway, and House of Taga. Also, they visited North Field Runway Able at for night sky and star photography.

“Overall, the Hell of The Marianas participants from Korea expressed great satisfaction on the cycling event along and the beautiful nature of The Marianas. They all said they would like to participate in next year’s Hell of The Marianas, again,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “The media also loved Saipan and Tinian, which is another key goal successfully achieved by the MVA in holding and promoting this annual signature event.”

Media coverage is scheduled to be issued on January or February 2018 editions. The tour was also supported by Mariana Resort & Spa, Fiesta Resort & Spa, and Tinian Ocean View Hotel. (PR)