The Coastal Challenge

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Pre-Race insights

Lisa de Speville / 14.01.2005

The Coastal Challenge is the most recent addition to the growing list of staged ultra marathons. Set on the western coast of Costa Rica, the 80 competitors starting this race on Sunday, 16 January, will have an exceptional experience.

Staged in a tropical paradise, the event website guarantees that "the race will prove to be extremely difficult in terms of distance, terrain and the tropical climate. The heat and sun will take their toll and you may be severely tested at times."

They do add that "if you enjoy long distance running or multi-sport competitions, the Coastal Challenge should prove the most affordable, hassle free and personally rewarding event you can mark on your 2005 race calendar."

So, let's take a quick look at The Coastal Challenge ...

The Stages

The Coastal Challenge incorporates 7-stages over the 7-days of the event totalling 247km (33, 46, 40, 30, 48, 35 & 15km). The environment is hot and humid.

Other well known 7-day staged ultras include:

Gobi March

- 6-stages over 7-days totalling 240km
- Stages: 32, 32, 40, 40, 80 & 16km
- Hot, desert environment

Marathon des Sables
- 6-stages over 7-days totalling 230km
- An 80km stage is included, which is followed by a rest day (well, the sooner you finish the stage the more you can rest)
- Hot desert environment

Jungle Marathon
- 6-stages over 7-days totalling 250km
- A +70km overnight stage is included. Ditto on the rest as above
- Hot, humid jungle environment

What distinguishes The Coastal Challenge is that it includes 3 marathons/ultras, 3 x +30km stages and a finish-it-off 15km. The route composition is listed as 60% coastal run, 25% rainforest trail and 15% dirt roadway and trail. From what I've read, Costa Rica's western coast is very beautiful and quite rugged. I have in mind long beach stretches with rocky coasteering thrown in for good measure. I may be wrong.

Self-sufficiency

The event is not self-sufficient, which the races above are. Breakfast and dinner are provided. Meals are based on the outcome of the nutritional survey, which competitors were asked to complete. Competitors have been advised, although it isn't compulsory, to pack munchies to snack on as they run. As with the above events, water is provided at aid stations along the route.See All Event Posts