The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica (TCC), a rainforest multi-stage trail running race, considered one of the top 10 in its kind, and one of the most challenging in the world, will take participants through Costa Rica’s beaches and mountains, February 12th through February 17th
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This is the 13th edition of the event that this year is expected to gather a little over 100 competitors that for six days will challenge their body and mind to endure the hot and humid tropical weather of Costa Rica’s rain-forest and the heavy sun from its coast.

Designed for runners, travelers and adventure seekers, the competition will take participants through 6 different stages in 6 days, along the Pacific coastline, for a total distance of 236 km (147 miles) in the category “Expedition Run” and 155 km (96 miles) for the “Adventure Run”.

“It is a challenging competition, mentally and physically, because of the variety of scenarios, the weather and the distance that will be completed each day, and it is also an opportunity to see some corners of Costa Rica that otherwise would be inaccessible, this factor has spiked the interest of professional and amateur athletes that each year sign up for the competition”, said Rodrigo Carazo, director of the event.

The characteristics of the event attracts many elite international athletes; this year the TCC is expecting the participation of runners from the United States, Spain, Colombia, Canada, Mexico, among others.

The accumulated ascent of the competition is of over 10,500 meters (34,450 feet).

Representing Costa Rica are: Ashur Youssefi, two-time TCC champion; Neruda Céspedes and Roiny Villegas part of last year’s top 10, Ligia Madrigal who covered 250 km (155 miles) in the project “Traveling Costa Rica in 3D”, also Katelyn Tocci and Viviana Piedra.

Confirmed international athletes include: Spanish Chema Martínez; Sondre Amdahl from the Norway; Jason Schlarb (Hardrock 100 winner) and Tom Owens from the USA; Anna Comet from Spain, Elisabet Barnes from Sweden, Anna Frost from New Zealand, and Veronica Bravo from Chile. International participants arrive to the country February 10.

The official registration takes place February 11 and the The Coastal Challenge will begin February 12th with Stage one “From Plantations to the Hidden Valley”, that day will start with a 4 a.m. wake up in San Jose, a long bus ride to Quepos and the race begins at 9 a.m.