The Coastal Challenge
The Coastal Challenge is Underway
Van Holmes / 22.01.2006
QUEPOS, Costa Rica – The 2nd annual Coastal Challenge, the World’s Expedition Run™, started early this morning launching more than 75 runners and guests from 10 countries onto the 250-km course throughout southwestern Costa Rica. The seven-day stage race will take competitors along an epic journey crossing rain forests, mountain ranges and remote beaches. They will battle the elements and their own will to survive one of the toughest challenges in the world. “We’re off and running!� race director and founder Tim Holmstrom said. “These athletes are in for an unforgettable adventure. This is an exciting time – to kick off our second annual event. It’s a testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, as well as the growing interest among the international running communities.�
The race started early in the morning near Quepos, Costa Rica, on the country’s spectacular Southwest coast. The day’s route will take runners over approximately 30 km to the upper Savegre River Valley, and leaders are expected to finish by early afternoon. By mid-race competitors will be climbing up into the south portion of the Talamanca Mountain Range and eventually will finish at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula within the recesses of the Corcovado National Park.
The co-ed field, comprising competitors from 10 countries (Canada, Costa Rica, Europe, Hong Kong, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UK and the United States), will travel predetermined daily sections of the course until Saturday, January 28. Each runner’s time will be taken daily and compiled at the final finish line to determine who will take home the $20,000 USD in prize money. A closing awards ceremony and celebration will wrap the race on the evening of the 28th.
While the racers run, guests will enjoy daily packaged adventure tours like river rafting, horseback riding, canopy walks and sight seeing. One of the tours will take the more adventuresome out on a snorkeling trip to Caño Island, a national park and wildlife reserve of major archaeological importance off the Osa Peninsula, where they will enjoy countless species of marine life. Even volunteers will have an opportunity to take a day off and enjoy one of the tours. Everyone will convene each night at a common encampment to share in daily stories and enjoy nightly entertainment. See All Event Posts
