The Coastal Challenge

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Tores Holds Lead

Spirit of Camaraderie / 28.01.2006

In the friendly spirit of the event, Ronald Tores and Juan Carlos, the two Costa Ricans who have been battling for the prize money in an incredible expedition running performance, crossed the finish line together today.

Although Tores still leads the over-all competition by more than an hour, the two friends completed the 49-km stage in approximately four hours and 45 minutes side-by-side today.

Mark Matyazic, the Californian, finished third at 5:54, with Claire Johnson, from London, following close at 5:55. Claire has held a solid lead in the women\'s division since day one and is a strong favorite to win her division barring any extreme circumstances. Ben Nachtrieb, from Golden, Colorado in the U.S., crossed the line next in just over six hours.

Ligia Madreal, the Costa Rican adventure racer, has been an example of endurance holding a strong second place standing in the women\'s division despite being plagued by pain coming from raw skin rubbed from her lower back by her Camelbak water pack.

Doone Watson, a return runner from Canada, has grasped the spirit of the adventure lending a helping hand to Ligia the last couple days, while still maintaining an impressive forth place over-all for the women.

There has been an extreme heat wave throughout Costa Rica this year. \"It\'s been hotter than it has been in three years,\" said race director, Tim Holmstrom. \"These guys have fought hard through the pounding sun each day but have maintained the spirit of adventure and showed team work even in this sport for individuals.\"See All Event Posts