The Coastal Challenge

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A Shorter Stage Sets a Faster Pace

Brad Williams / 26.01.2006

Juan Carlos, who finished second over-all in The Coastal Challenge\'s inaugural event last year, finished first for the second straight day during a relatively short run that turned up the pace.

The 11-km stage, a break for the Expedition Runners who have covered more than 100 km of distance in the past three days, had the leaders making a break for the finish as soon as they started. Ronald Tores, the other local Costa Rican battling for the top over-all spot, finished a close second.

Adam Chase, the leading North American from Bolder, Colorado, estimated a burning 7-minute-mile pace for the day. \"It was nice to finally be able to open it up today,\" he said referring to the difference from the slower pace necessary to complete the longer stages ... and an extraordinary feet considering they covered mostly sandy beaches and technical trails. Not to mention this is their fourth day on the long, hot course.

Felipe Guardia, another local from San Jose, completed the quick course in third place, and Claire Johnson, the clear women\'s leader from London, continued her impressive performance taking fifth over-all.See All Event Posts