The Coastal Challenge

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Getting Together

Van Holmes / 21.01.2006

Race staff, volunteers, competitors and guests are arriving in San Jose for the second annual running of The Coastal Challenge, the World’s Expedition Run!

As the lobby of the Best Western Irazu welcomes event participants, the halls are buzzing with pre-race jitters and excitement. Reunions from a year ago bring back memories of the inaugural event, as many new comers are wondering what to expect.

Veterans gather around the hotel pool and in the lobby to visit with staff and volunteers ... exchanging warm greetings, sharing stories of the past year and discussing among other highlights, the new course changes for this year. Some comment that the exciting new course, concentrating on the South West region, is what inspired their return for the Challenge.

Among the newcomers to the event is world-renowned foot doctor, John Vonhof, who has authored many respected books including “Fixing Your Feet� (now in its 3rd edition) and has taken care of athletes at many of the world’s top races. Vonhof, charged with foot care along the 250-km course, says that preparation, the right shoes for a particular runner and moisture will all be major factors affecting how racers fare during the grueling event.

“Moisture leads to maceration, and the problem with maceration is the skin starts to separate,� Vonhof says. That’s a bad thing according the foot doctor, and real issue in a race that will inevitably keep runners feet wet whether from river crossings, rain storms or perspiration. Veterans are used to this and plan accordingly, but newcomers may not yet know their gear or bodies as well. Either way, foot care is always paramount for expedition-type events and will undoubtedly have a say in who the winners … and even just the finishers will be.See All Event Posts