KONQER Saipan: ‘Humans’ win, ‘zombies’ lose

“Humans” survived KONQER Saipan: Zombie Apocalypse, as the more than 500 participants in last Saturday’s obstacle course race made the cutoff time.

Joshua Manglona led the finishers in the Enduro Solo after completing the course in 53:26. In the Enduro Team, Smoke Eaters was the top finisher after clocking in at 1:38:35. In the Business Team category, Triple J A (38:24), Gold’s Gym B (39:21), and DFS 2 (39:54) were the Top 3 finishers. The complete list of finishers in all divisions (timed) will be posted at konqersports.com once it is finalized. Participants in the timed divisions would only be considered on the finisher list if they completed the course by 3pm.

KONQER Saipan: Zombie Apocalypse started at the American Memorial Park with the “humans” heading out to the Gov. Eloy Inos Peace Park first for the 5-kilometer run (business teams participants were allowed to skip the run part). A few minutes later, organizers sent off the “zombies” to chase the “humans,” as the former aimed to steal the “humanity flag” to take the latter’s place and go through the course.

Those who survived the run and made it to the MIHA Housing then had to complete the five obstacle courses—Metal Monster, Spider-Man, Roof Top, Tight Rope, and Fire Man. Once they’re done at the MIHA Housing and remained alive, the “humans” headed to Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan beachside via the Paseo de Marianas for the last obstacle course—the You Only Thought It Was Over. The obstacle courses were a bit easier that the two previous KONQER: Saipan events, but they were made more challenging by the roaming zombies.

“It was fun running away from the zombies and climbing the obstacles. I liked one obstacle in particular (Roof Top) because I got to help out my teammates complete it. I became a zombie once and was able to steal a flag from an adult. I can’t wait until the next KONQER,” said 11-year-old Javon Gersonde of Ghost Skeleton, which also had his brother, Ryusei Asai, and Atticus Endo as members.

“It was awesome and we’re happy we did it. Zombies could not reach my flag because I’m small. We have a very good team,” the 7-year-old Ryusei Asai said.

The Gersonde brothers were KONQER: Saipan first-timers, while Atticus, though he debuted in last Saturday’s event, is familiar with the obstacle race, thanks to his dad, KONQER chief experience officer Kaz Endo.

Lauri Boyer of Bank of Guam Warriors is no stranger to KONQER either having joined the 2017 and 2018 events, but admits this year’s race was tough.

“Every year is a different challenge and they’re all worth the challenge and struggle. Personally, the run was the hardest this year. When you know you have zombies running after you, your heart pans harder and you sprint to avoid them so it was hard when you’re out of shape,” Boyer said.

“You have to have the agility and endurance for this obstacle, but the climb was easier because they were shorter. All five obstacles, I practically did solo with a few help from my teammates. Overall, it was fun and the best race I’ve done because it’s all teamwork,” she said.

After KONQER’s stop on Saipan, the obstacle race will head to Guam on July 7 for K11: Attack.