Bang scales 3 mountains in Korea

Ann Bang smiles after completing the 5th Three Mountain
Climbathon last weekend near Seoul, South Korea. (Contributed Photo)

Run Saipan mainstay Ann Bang followed Mother Abbess’ advice in the musical The Sound of Music when she “Climbed Every Mountain” or at least those assigned in last weekend’s 5th Three Mountain Climbathon in the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea.

The 49-year-old said the three mountains she had to summit en route to completing the arduous 10-kilometer trek in a time of 2:30:24 were Ansan, Inwangsan, and Bukaksan.

“This course was very tough and brutal. The weather was very humid and foggy without a hint of a breeze. Almost 400 participants joined this race, and I tried to enjoy the course by sightseeing the beautiful scenery. This course has special meaning and historical significance that is called the Holy Land of the Korean Marathon,” she said.

For the record, Ansan is 960 feet, Inwangsan is 1,109 feet, and Bukaksan is the highest at 2,744.

For all her troubles, Bang finished 103rd overall and vowed that once she comes home to Saipan she will brush up on her uphill climbing skills by frequenting Suicide Cliff or Mt. Tapochao more.

Ann Bang’s mountainous route in the 5th Three Mountain Climbathon.(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

“This was an incomparable course. While I was running this course, I thought I would never join this race again. But after the race, I felt the great joy of accomplishment.”

Bang said the hardest part of the 5th Three Mountain Climbathon was the uphill stairway that had a grand total of 2,500 steep stairs.

“It almost killed all participants,” she said, while adding the the best part of the race was the moment she finally arrived at the finish line.

“It was not sunny because it’s the rainy season in Korea, but super humid and foggy without a hint of a breeze.  I sweat more than usual,” she added.

Ann Bang in action in the trails of the 5th Three Mountain Climbathon last weekend near Seoul, South Korea. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Bang said nothing compares to the 5th Three Mountain Climbathon and everything on Saipan just pales in comparison.

“Compared with this course, Mt. Tapochao is just a little and kind hill. But I prefer Mt. Tapochau and I’ll run and train at Mt. Tapochao as always.”

For the record, Mt. Tapochao, the highest point on Saipan, rises to 1,555 feet.

Bang also wants Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. and the rest of the officers of the club to add more mountain trek runs to the non-profit’s calendar of events.

“I always want a new and stronger challenge!” she said.

She then dedicated her latest running conquest to her fellow Run Saipan members who she missed a lot.

“Of course I want to share this accomplishment with my friends and members of Run Saipan.”