The race is not until February, but registration for The Coastal Challenge has already reached its halfway mark
Jacqueline Windh / 20.08.2008
The route of this year\'s Coastal Challenge is completely different from last year\'s \"Route of Fire\". Instead of volcanoes, racers will experience Costa Rica\'s wildest jungles. I spent several weeks hiking here a couple of years ago, and was just blown away by the amazing range of wildlife - including four species of monkeys, big cats such as pumas and jaguars, and an incredible range of deadly snakes!I am still figuring out my own travel plans, and whether or not I will be able to take part in this year\'s event. I feel that I have some unfinished business down here, after having to bail out of TCC on Day 4 last year due to a knee injury, and I am also very keen to return to this wild and remote jungle. I saw so much wildlife last time I was there.
I highly recommend this event - both for the amazing wild regions that you would have a lot of trouble getting to otherwise, as well as for the organization (especially the yummy and race-appropriate food that is provided!) I hope to see some of you there! Here is the organizers\' most recent announcement:
The Coastal Challenge (TCC), the World\'s Expedition RunTM, has announced that its 2009 race, the \"Rainforest Run,\" has reached the halfway point of its 125-person registration capacity.
The race, scheduled for February 1-6 along Costa Rica\'s tropical Pacific coastline, opened registration this spring with a revamped web site and new blog. Registered competitors – representing eight countries so far -- include a mix of alumni and new athletes, including several teams. Interested competitors are encouraged to contact TCC staff for information about how to get involved.
\"We\'re thrilled so many competitors and teams have joined our 2009 racing community,\" said Tim Holmstrom, race director. \"We\'re celebrating our fifth anniversary with a spectacular and funky course that combines the best of Costa Rica\'s natural beauty with a stunning and challenging route that will reward athletes of all levels. In short, this is going to be an insane tropical adventure with exotic scenery, rugged landscapes, and amazing wildlife.\"
Set in Costa Rica\'s pristine southern region, the \"Rainforest Run\" will utilize the country\'s rich rainforests as a backdrop for a diverse course that moves from jungle and rainforest trails to highlands, coastal ranges, reefs, and river crossings. The route, which takes a decidedly different feel from last year\'s \"Route of Fire\" in the Northwest, will weave from the beach into the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range, before finishing in Corcovado National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world\'s premier rainforest experiences. The Rainforest Run will also feature a first-ever night run in which racers will traverse a portion of the course in the dark, navigating via torch-lit trails.
The race offers four categories of participation:
• Team Expedition Run - Runners sign up in teams of three to six
• Solo Expedition Run - The full 200+ kilometer Expedition Run
• Solo Adventure Run - A shortened, yet extremely challenging 125-kilometer route
• Guest Adventure Tours - Daily adventure tours like river rafting, nature hikes and more available to guests of the runners.
The new course served as the inspiration for the revamped www.thecoastalchallenge.com, which includes additional photos and information, and will unveil the complete route later this year. Also, in an effort to connect competitors before and after the event, TCC has created a blog, www.thecoastalblog.com.
About The Coastal Challenge
The Coastal Challenge is the \"World\'s Expedition Runâ„¢,\" releasing runners over approximately 200 kilometers of exotic and wild Costa Rican mountainous regions and rugged coastline. For six days, runners embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery and camaraderie within a long distance running competition while navigating wide river crossings, rainforests, jungles, windswept highlands, beaches, and rock outcroppings. It is an expedition run of epic proportions introducing competitors to the hospitality of the local Tico culture while pushing the limits of their will and endurance. For more information visit www.thecoastalchallenge.com
