La Transica; Running Across Costa Rica
Vivien Vedrenne Cloquet / 31.01.2013
Prologue : 6 km Manuel Antonio
Fast race on a black sand firmly packed allowing a good cruising speed on a splendid beach wedged between the primary forest and the rollers of the Pacific. Idyllic places, small comfortable bungalows with swimming pool and a splendid bar-restaurant terrace to enjoy the traditional beer after the race.
The +: A marvelous setting, the swim in the Pacific at the end of the race, the discovery of the other runners.
The - : none
Stage 1: 20 Km, D: +1 375 m, La Selvita-San Marco,
20 km of a breathtaking climb between 200 and 1600 meters of altitude, starting with 500 meters of a technical single-track in the muddy jungle with rivers to ford, before a long and hard climb on a large track, under an heavy sun, without any real interest except that it is a forced acclimatization. After a dozen kilometers as we reach the first supply point, it’s a total change of scenery through the majestic coffee fields and the village of San Marco. We get a lovely welcome from the locals and even from the wandering dogs accompanying the runners until the finish line.
The + : the single-track, the excellent position of the supply points, the route very well marked, the superb bivouac (a ranch at altitude with chimney, bar, big room, cold shower for recovery and 2 substantial hot meals).
The - : lack of technicality on the first section.
Stage 2: 21 Km, D: +1180m/-1020m, heights de Santa Maria de Dota-La Esperanza
9 km of an abrupt descent immediately followed by 12 km of brutal climb, no technical difficulty, on a very wide track with a lot of rolling stones (blisters …) and our quadriceps will be severely tested on steep slopes often reaching 20%. The terrain is splendid between 3000 and 1500 meters of altitude, with primary forests looking similar to those of the heights of La Reunion Island.
The + : Sumptuous terrain and a finish line close to the highest point of the country, the donation of school kits (school bag and stationary) to the children of the school before the departure of the stage, the football game between the two local teams.
The - : Rather rudimentary bivouac in the freshness of La Esperanza.
Stage 3: 23 Km, D: +585m/-1830m, La Esperanza- El Humo
23 km of descent and flat sections with a magic part in the jungle of the Tapanti National Park, through a technical single-track and over a suspended bridge above the river. We join then a large track under construction in the middle of the coffee fields, some more descent then a large false-flat section of 5km before the arrival at the CP2, a super lodging on the river side.
The +: The magic single-track in the Tapanti with the members of the organization posted along the path to encourage us, the lodging of the last supply point on the finish line where it was possible to fish a trout before tasting it in a ‘casado’, the quality of the welcome of the community of El Humo (delicious spectacle and meal).
The - : The long transfer to our bivouac (but the beauty of the crossed landscapes compensates).
