Costa Rica Coastal Challenge

You'll need brawn to experience the beauty of this gruelling race

The coastal challenge expedition is back again early next year, pushing competitors to the very limits of human endurance. The six day competition runs from January 30th to February 6th, along Costa Rica’s tropical pacific coastline.

The challenge is split into two categories – the expedition run covers 220-250 km of the most gruelling terrain, consisting of rainforest trails, mountain trails, coastal ranges, highlands, reefs and river crossings.

The adventure run is approximately 30% shorter, but organisers say it's far from a 'fun run': The route covers the North Western coast and volcanic regions of Costa Rica and participants will have to trek through inland lakes, windswept highlands and rough, winding dirt roads. 

Although simple in concept, this race looks set to be extremely difficult in terms of distance, terrain and the tropical climate. The heat and sun will take their toll and participants will be severely tested. However, in return, competitors will have many opportunities to take in the breath-taking scenery Costa Rica has to offer while visiting sand swept coastal towns and remote mountain villages.

2009 participant Jennifer Samway said, “There were moments of extreme pain, extreme exhaustion, and extreme frustration. But the feeling of having overcome them, and having pushed on in spite of them and making it to the end, is simply spectacular.”

For more information on The Coastal Challenge visit: www.thecoastalchallenge.com