Episode 242 of Talk Ultra is with Lina and Sanna El Kott, the El Kott twins and their participation in the 20th anniversary of The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica.
The 20th TCC concluded in Drake Bay on Feb 17th, 250km gruelling km’s and many 1000m’s of vertical gain over 6-days. Lina and Sanna finished on the podium and tell their stories here in an in-depth podcast.
The victory loop. This stage personifies all that has gone before and arguably, is the most beautiful stage. The whole of TCC is compressed in to the 37km’s with gravel roads, river running, waterfall crossing, rainforest, coasteering and long pristine beaches.
It’s a day for celebration and one to soak up all that has been gone before. At the end, a hard earned medal. However, racing did not stop and Cody Lind and Katie Young sealed TCC 2024 with final stage wins, 3:14:42 and 4:44:32 respectively.
Cody Lind was on fire today, 2020 and 2024 champion.
There are outright winners, of course, and congratulations go to Katie Young and Cody Lind the 2024 TCC champions. But as race director, Rodrogo Carazo says, today, everyone is a winner.
Rodrigo Carazo awards the finisher medal
Emotions are released, tears are shed and finally, it’s time to kick-off run shoes and fully relax and appreciate the magnitude of the journey and the experiences that have gone before.
Carlos
It’s no mistake or act of chance that has allowed TCC to last 20-years. Costa Rica, the route, the people, the wildlife, the Pura Vida approach makes this race special and unique.
Emotion on the line
Tomorrow, competitors leave Drake Bay via speedboat, a final magical experience to confirm that TCC is one of the ‘must do’ races in the world.
The day starts by crossing the Sierpe River via ferry, ahead one of the most ‘runnable’ days with an abundance of gravel road interspersed with technical trails.
The crossing
It’s an iconic stage where a boat crossing is required in the final 5km’s transporting runners from one land section to another before the run in towards the iconic Drake Bay.
Cody cooling off
A delayed start due to problems with the ferry meant the runner’s started 1-hour late. Sometimes, situations happen and there is nothing to do than say, Pura Vida and carry on.
Pierre
Once underway, the race split at the front with Pierre Meslet deciding no matter how bad the ankle, let’s give it a go. Cristofer Clemente Mora followed and then Cody Lind and Jean Francois Cauchon.
Cody and Jean-Francois
It was only a matter of time before Cody and Jean-Francois took control of the race and the duo finished together in 4:28 (time tbc due to a delay at the boat crossing).
Cody, Jean-Francois and Cristofer
Cristofer finished 3rd.
Katie
For the women, Katie Young well and truly sealed the 2024 TCC with an outstanding performance in 5:55. All day, she smile, ran fast and smooth and dare I say, made it look easy! This TCC is a breakthrough performance for Katie, especially coming after a top-10 at MDS in 2023.
Katie
Lina El Kott Helander finished 2nd in 6:14. Lina could very easily have pulled out of the race early in the week after damaging her right arm. She has fought on and impressively so, chapeaux!
LinaMarlene
Marline Côté finished just ahead of Sanna El Kott Helander, 6:33 and 6:41 respectively. But it was Janina Beck from Germany who finished 3rd in 6:31.
Pierre Meslet full of life
The racing is now done! Stage 6 tomorrow and it would take an absolute disaster to change the ranking, so, expect a victory loop. And let’s face it, a fun loop is well deserved, despite the fact not many would call 35.9km an easy loop…
A relaxed and calm night, the impact of three tough stages now taking hold and stage 3 was tough! Stage 4 brings the most climbing which basically has three parts, a tough climb to start, a rollercoaster of gravel roads and trails and then a steep and technical descent to the finish. Once at the finish, runner’s are transported to the Sierpe River for stage 4 camp. There is no coast today, no ocean, no beaches, just an epic backdrop of the Talamanca mountains.
The heat today was intense despite a slight breeze that increased as the day passed. There is little shade and the combination of elements make the day a real tough one. The climbs are steep, the descents equally steep, especially the final one.
Cristofer on the first climb of the day
Cristofer Clemente Mora started the day strong pushing hard and building a 5-minute lead over the chasers, Cody Lind and Jean-Francois Cauchon. However, the lead was short lived. Stage 4 was the day Cody Lind confirmed his presence on the race. He caught Cristofer, pulled away and looked strong all the way to the line for a very convincing win in 4:49:29.
Cody
Jean-Francois also looked strong today, but he was no match for Cody. He enjoyed the landscape and route and did all he could to reduce the gap to Cody and extend the gap to Costa Rican, Carlos, who placed 3rd.
Jean-FrancoisCarlos
The women’s race was much more of a nail-biter with Katie Young and Lina El Kott Helander running close together early on followed by Sanna El Kott Helander.
Lina
As the race progressed, the twins switched, with Sanna leading at the front, it came as no surprise, the twins are mountain and skyrunner’s and the terrain would play to their adventure.
Sanna
Once in the lead, Sanna opened a gap and finished in 7:21:52 with Katie following in 7:32:01; a great result for Katie.
Katie
Lina, nursing her right arm finished 3rd, a very impressive run using just one pole to try to address some of the weakness caused by her injury, 7:34:42 on the clock.
The surf beach of Dominical really provided a real Costa Rican feel for TCC yesterday, particularly the magical sunset that concluded the day.
Stage 3, from experience, is considered the hardest stage. The opening km’s through rocky riverbeds bring a technical and slow start to the day.
Calvo López at Nauyaca
The crossing of the iconic Nauyaca waterfall and steep climb out soon make the runner’s aware that as beautiful as this day may be, it is also brutal.
Finally climbing to the high point of the day, slowly but surely the race descends back to the coast with relentless long beach sections, no shade and the heat of the day to punish each and every runner.
Jean-Francois
The day started slower than previous years with the top male runners lead by Calvo López and closely followed by Jean-Francois Cauchon and Cody Lind taking 30-minutes slower than anticipated. Apparently, the opening riverbed was very slippery. Cristofer Clemente Mora arrived and then gaps really opened.
Katie Young
For the women, this opening stretch was ideal for Lina El Kott Helander to take back time, however, a fall on stage 2 has left the Swedish runner with either a badly sprained right arm or fracture. In true fighting spirit she ran the stage, however, using the right arm to scramble greatly inhibited her pace early on. Katie Young however, was first to arrive and looked to be in her element. Sanna El Kott Helander followed.
Sanna El Kott Helander
At 46km’s, the day was being respected and it was in the final stretches of beach that Jean-Francois pulled away from Cody. The gap wasn’t huge, but it was certainly a day for Jean-Francois to take some glory. In 3rd, the ever-present Carlos running a consistently strong race but Cristofer closed hard and snatched the 3rd place away from the Costa Rican.
Jean-Francois
Katie Young was in her element on the beach and her smile and pace reflected that. She was unstoppable. Coming to TCC after a very successful top-10 at MDS in 2023, Katie was a favourite for the podium. However, this run, so far, is beyond her wildest expectations.
In 2nd, Marline Côté got a chance to shine with Sanna following. However, Lina, once allowed to run with the right arm not causing too much of a hinderance, started to close considerably in the closing stages. It was an exciting end to a tough day and she caught her twin sister to take 3rd.
Runner’s got there first night in camp last night. Tired bodies looking to recover and prepare for stage 2 of the 2024 The Coastal Challenge, a 230km, 6-stage journey from Quepos to Drake Bay. Ambiance and atmosphere was high. Stage 1 had certainly taken a toll and surprised many. The combination of route, heat and humidity a wake up call. The impact of day 1 saw 18 participants move from the Expedition race to the shorter Adventure category; a huge number!
But today, starting almost 3-hours early makes a huge difference. The almost vertical climb straight out of camp allows for cooler temperatures and an ability to ease in the day.
A rollercoaster of gravel roads followed by rainforest and more gravel roads lead the race to the coast and finally the ocean.
Now the heat of the day takes hold as the the participants navigate a route to the Dominical finish via long stretches of beach.
Jean-Francois leading the top men.
There was a very different mood to the start of stage 2. Summed up in one word, respect. The top men ran together lead by Jean-Francois Cauchon. This lead group did not include Cristofer Clemente Mora who ran a short distance behind with Erick Aguerro behind.
Cristofer and Erick
Pierre Meslet made a 3rd group running Lina El Kott Helander.
Pierre and Lina.
Lina El Kott Helander pushed the pace for the women, this came as no surprise with a steep climb to start the day. The skyrunner no doubt in her element. Behind Katie Young followed with a parmanent smile.
Katie
Sanna El Kott Helander, just like her twin sister, enjoyed the early vert to run in 3rd.
Sanna
As the runner’s headed to the coast, the race opened up and Cody Lind and Carlos Calvo López were the first to arrive at the estuary leading to the final 5km’s and a long beach section. Cody now in familiar territory from his 2020 victory no doubt relishing the final km’s pushed to take the stage and overall lead with 3:59:13 on the clock.
CodyCarlos
Carlos was expected to finish 3rd but Jean-Francois pushed and not only caught but passed the Costa Rican, 4:00:15 and 4:01:53. Cristofer finished some way back and lost his overall lead by almost 10-minutes and is now in second. We have a race on!
Jean-Francois
Lina continued her strong running all the way to the estuary, she had now opened up a 6-minute lead. Katie arrived looking fresh and full of enthusiasm, with flat running all the way to the line, Katie pushed and closed the gap to under 2-minutes at the line, 5:06:08 and 5:07:58.
Lina
Sanna continued to pull away from Lindsey Ullrich and ran a strong 3rd place in 5:29:05. A very positive run after a troubled ay 1.
Stage 2 was not without drama, Lina took a bad fall and had concerns for a badly damaged arm. More news to follow. Pierre also had troubles with a very badly twisted ankle that saw him require a stick in the early stages.
Tomorrow, stage 3 to Marino Ballena is 46km with 1686m. It’s the toughest stage of the race.
Celebrating 20-years, the 2024 The Coastal Challenge (TCC) got underway today with an early start, departing San Jose before sunrise and arriving on the Pacific Coast at Quepos. Ahead, 230km and 10,000m+ over 6-stages.
Stage 1 is the only day with a late run start due to the departure time from San Jose. From stage 2, the race day starts with sunrise, typically around 0530.
The late start on day 1 is always a challenge, the heat of the day is already roaring as the participants depart the beach and a flat 10km’s allows the opportunity to run at a pace that is higher than recommended. By Cp1 at approximately 10km’s, the impact can already be seen.
It’s a tough day and one that should be respected, the top men and women certainly gave the stage respect but even so, the heat took its toll.
Cristofer Clemente Mora and Katie Young both started aggressively and at no point did they relinquish the lead. On the contrary, despite the heat, the distance, the humidity and the challenging terrain, they almost made the stage look easy. Cristofer completed the stage in 4:20:04 which was probably 30-minutes inside the predicted time. Katie finished an incredible 7th overall and 1st lady in 5:10:14.
Katie YoungKatie Young
Jean-Francois Cauchon ran much of the race in 2nd place, pursued by 2020 champion, Cody Lind and Pierre Meslet. However, the experience of Cody came to fruition in the latter stages when he moved away from Pierre, caught Jean-Francois and then finished the stage 2nd in 4:22:41.
Cody LindPierre Meslet
Jean-Francois placed 3rd ahead of Carlos Calvo López, the local Costa Rican hot favourite in 4:36:20 and 4:36:35 respectively.
Carlos Calvo López
Lina El Kott Hellander coming from winter in Sweden and with no acclimation, ran a superb stage for 2nd in 5:33:31 catching and passing Lindsey Ullrich who had ran much of the day in 2nd, her finish time 5:44:07.
Lina El Kott Hellander
As happens every year after stage 1 of TCC, the runner’s have a new appreciation of the challenge ahead. Despite the early 0530 start and cooler temperatures for stage 2, expect a more relaxed and controlled start.
Lindsey Ullrich
Stage 2 is a challenging day, Savegre River to Dominical, 40km 1868m.
The Coastal Challenge 2024 is upon us. An event 20-years in the making, this will be a special year! A gruelling multi-stage race, participants will cover 240km’s with 10,000m+ of vertical over 6-stages. The ‘Adventure Run’ covers 145km’s.
An adventure for all, TCC is the ultimate experience and an incredible way to explore Costa Rica. Starting in Quepos, the journey follows the Pacific Coast backed by the Talamanca mountains as participants weave in and out of rainforest, navigate gravel roads, endure long stretches of beach with no shade and of course, climb, descend and scramble rocks, riverbeds and waterfalls. The journey concludes in the Unesco Heritage Site of Drake Bay, a truly remarkable location even for the well travelled.
What can the runners expect?
Stage 1
Runners depart San Jose early morning (around 0500) for a 3-hour drive to Playa Del Rey, Quepos. Arguably the toughest day of the race, not because of the terrain or distance, but because of the start time! It’s a day for caution! The 34.6km is very runnable with little vertical and technicality, it welcomes the runners to Costa Rica.
Stage 2
An early breakfast, around 0400, the race starts with the arrival of the sun! The only way is up from the start with a tough and challenging climb. It’s a tough day with an abundance of climbing and descending and a final tough flat stretch on the beach, just as the heat takes hold.
Stage 3
Tough with 25km of climbing topping out at 800m followed by a drop to sea and a final kick in the tail before the arrival at camp. For many, this is a key day and maybe one of the most spectacular.
Stage 4
A tough and steep climb to start, but once at 900m the route is a roller coaster of relentless small climbs and descents, often littered with technical sections, rain forest, river crossings and boulders. At 30km, it’s a short drop to the line and the finish at 37.1km.
Stage 5
The long day but what a beauty! Tweaked a couple of years ago and now has become iconic with tough trails, plenty of climbing, sandy beaches and yes, even a boat trip. The finish just before Drake Bay offers a calm relaxation with a stunning backdrop and amazing sunset.
Stage 6
The victory lap! For many, this stage is the most beautiful and memorable. It is now a longer day due to the start and finish not being in Drake Bay. However, the experience is not diminished. The loop manages to contain a little of all that has gone before.
“TCC is a unique race and one that we are passionate about. We celebrate 20-years in 2024 and that alone is an incredible achievement and one that we are proud of. The race travels via dense forest trails, river crossings, waterfalls, long stretches of golden beaches backed by palm trees, dusty access roads, high ridges and open expansive plains, we created this race to show of Costa Rica and this beautiful coastline.”
TCC is proud of the elite line-up that has experienced this magical multi-day journey.
Here is the past 10-years winners:
2023: Didrik Hermansen – Katie Schide
2022: Hayden Hawks – Giuditta Turini
2021: Timothy Olson – Felicitas Charpin
2020: Cody Lind – Kaytlyn Gerbin
2019: Pere Aurell Bove – Ida Nilsson*
2018: Tom Evans* – Ragna Debats
2017: Tom Owens – Anna Frost
2016: Iain Don-Wauchope – Ester Alvez
2015: Iain Don-Wauchope – Veronica Bravo
2014: Michael Wardian – Jo Meek
2013: Dave James – Gemma Slaughter
Course records: Tom Evans 21:44:12 and Ida Nilsson 23:36:04
Ones to watch in 2024
2020 champion, Cody Lind returns to celebrate 20-years of TCC. With past experience, he know what to expect from Costa Rica. His ability as skyrunner work well on the demanding and technical trails, in addition, his speed for pure running grounded at Western States (2021, 2022 and 2023) transfers well to the gravel roads and beaches that this route brings.
Cristofer Clemente, an experienced skyrunner and trail runner, he won the 2016 Syrunner World Series for the ultra distance and in 2017 he took a silver medal at the IAU Trail World Champs. He has recently won Tenerife Blue Trail, Ultramaraton Guatemala and Puerta Vallarta Mexico by UTMB. He is without doubt a hot contender for overall victory.
Pierre Meslet placed 6th and 9th at Marathon des Sables, so, is no stranger to multi-day running. TCC will provide a different challenge, while the racing is still over 6-days, this time there is no self-sufficiency, no carrying a pack, just intense heat and humidity.
From Costa Rica, we have Erick Aguero and Carlos Calvo. Erick is arguably one of the most experienced TCC competitors with countless participations and podium places.
Lina and Sanna El Kott Helander (the El Kott twins) are grounded in adventure racing, skyrunning and mountain running. They are an adventure duo that push boundaries. In 2023, they both undertook the PTL; a 300km journey during the UTMB week. The duo are perfectly matched for Costa Rica and the terrain and challenges on offer.
Ester Alves won TCC in 2016 and return this year with a contingent of runners from Portugal. I am sure Ester will say that she is in Costa Rica for the journey and experience in 2024. However, Experience, skill and ability is never lost.
Katie Young will be an unknown name to many, however, in 2023 she was my hot tip for Marathon des Sables and she proved me correct placing 6th. TCC will be a new experience for Katie but watch this space…
Lindsey McElroy Ulrich from the USA joins the TCC party with a long list of ultra results that date back to 2014 on Ultrasignup. In 2022, Lindsey tackled the Marathon des Sables, so, she comes to Costa Rica with multi-day experience. No stranger to long distance, she was also 20th at UTMB.
In addition to the above, we have a wealth of Costa Rican talent who will toe the line
Schedule:
February: Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th, 2024
Official registration & poolside reception for competitors in San José: February, Saturday 10th
Race start: February, Sunday 11th
Race finish: February, Friday 16th
Race length: 6 days
Distance: Expedition Run 240km | Adventure Run 145km
In many respects, the 2023 race concluded in regards to general classification after stage 5 when Didrik Hermansen opened up a 20-minute gap over race leader, Mathieu Blanchard.
For the women, the same applied, Katie Schide ran conservatively enjoying the day. Tomomi Bitoh ran in 2nd place and Paolo Herrera took it easy finishing in 3rd with a 2nd place on GC confirmed.
Stage 6 is a highlight of TCC with a loop that manages to encapsulate a little of everything that has gone before in the previous five stages. Gravel roads, river running, waterfall crossings, water crossing, beaches, rocks, coasteering and of course, heat and humidity.
Now it’s time to relax, hang up the run shoes and enjoy some down time. Next year is the 20th edition of TCC, already the plans are being made for a special edition.
Crossing the Sierpe river at dawn with a new sun welcoming the day, stage 5 of TCC is always a key day due to large amounts of gravel road, a technical and steep descent, the iconic estuary crossing and the heat and humidity that punishes the runner’s when they leave the shade.
Of course, all the talk was about Mathieu Blanchard and Didrik Hermansen, we and they knew it was going to be a key day. The writing was on the wall when Didrik offered Mathieu his hand before the start, it was a clear statement of let the best man win.
In the early stages the duo were matched but it didn’t take long before Mathieu dropped back on one of the early climbs. As the race progressed, this gap opened and at first it was difficult to ascertain if this was a tactic by Mathieu?
It was over 20-minutes later when Mathieu arrived. It’s fair to say, the 2023 TCC was decided today. Didrik’s effort, pace and consistency has been text book stage racing.
“After yesterday, I would not have been happy with 2nd. So the plan was to push the pace. Mathieu was having a bad day and he let me go early. I pushed and kept it steady. I opened a gap and more, and more minutes. It was motivating. I had considered taking it easy and saving something for stage 6, but, if Mathieu was having a bad day, I decided to push and get more time. It’s not over, we still have a day to go.” – Didrik Hermansen
“Yes a tough day. But last night I had already decided to go easier. Yesterday I witnessed Didrik push the downhill at an incredible pace. I little bit mad maybe? But for me, it’s February, I have a long season and I can’t risk it all here in Costa Rica. Today we had another downhill like yesterday, he took many minutes again and it’s just not possible for me to get that time back when he runs so well. I came here for an adventure and fun, I didn’t expect these first 4-days and such a pace. I am very happy.” – Mathieu Blanchard
For the women, Katie Schide had a controlled and relaxed day. Her lead is far in advance of 2nd and 3rd and still she was able to take another stage win.
Behind, Tomomi Bitoh started strong leading Paolo Herrera. But as the day passed they switched places and although close together at the end, it was another solid 2nd for Paolo.
Tomorrow, the final stage at 35.7km and with 875m+ is to all intents and purposes a victory loop, if you can call running 35.7km a victory loop. With GC places decided, I don’t anticipate a charge from Mathieu, so, let’s expect a Pura Vida loop of enjoyment.
IAN CORLESS 