Day 5 is a long day on The Coastal Challenge and what a day! At 42km, it is shorter than previous editions of the TCC due to a change of the finish area and camping location. This, makes the last day considerably longer and much more of a challenge than in previous years.
Runners depart camp via bus for a short bus ride to the Sierpe River and ferry across to the other side.
Cp1 Portero, 11km, is reached by gravel roads and faster running. Sábalo follows at 18km and here, the gravel road gives way to more technical and challenging terrain. There is a steep climb and descent before gravel road resumes to Cp3 Ganado. Now a final technical loop, beach section and water crossing brings stage 5 to an end at Ganadito Beach.
Peter van de Zon
Much of today’s route is considered very runnable on wide gravel roads. Great if you can run, but for many, stage 5 is a tough day with tired bodies.
Peter and Hayden, head-to-head
It may come as no surprise that once again Hayden Hawks and Peter van de Zon dictated the race from the front. The duo running together for the whole day and crossing the line in 4:20:50.
The water crossing
Erick Agüero battled hard and early in the race he held a small gap. But as the race progressed, the gap opened and Erick seemed to relax, content with his 3rd place crossing in 4:50:15.
Erick Agüero
Franco Colle finished 10-minutes with Julien Chorier in 5:00:33. Franco somehow finding form in the latter stages of the race, no doubt due to adapting to the heat.
Julien ChorierJulien and Franco Colle
5:47:43, 6:05:35 and 6:43:42 were the women’s finishing times, the race once again taking the format of the previous days with Giudy Turini, Francis Davila Palacios and Courtney Hill finishing 1, 2 and 3.
Giudy TuriniFrancis Davila Palacios
Japanese runner, Tomomi Bitoh joined the race today after opening quarantine in San Jose and then being cleared with a negative PCR test. It was a bitter sweet moment for Tomomi after excitement over a trip and race in Costa Rica, for it all to be taken away at the 11th hour. She will savour the opportunity to experience some Pura Vida and a magical part of the TCC race.
Tomomi Bitoh
Tomorrow’s stage is a loop of Drake Bay – it’s a stunning day that manages to encamps all the previous 5 days in one loop. However, in previous years, this race was often a victory loop at just over 20km… Now, the last day is a challenging 37km!
Day 4 from Coronado to Palma Norte (a new finish) is a unique day – starting at sea level, the route climbs to just under 1000m in 10km and then stays high with a rollercoaster of hills dropping to just under 600m at 15km and then climbing again to 900m at 20km. From here, the runners drop to 600m at 30km and then once agin, climb to 850m before a short, sharp and very steep drop to the finish.
Hayden Hawks pushing the pace
With three aid stations, Tres Ríos at 6.1km, Guagaral at 15.5km and Donkey’s Hill at 23km, it is essential for the runner’s to ensure they have enough fluid for this tough stage. The distance 37.4km and 2414m of vertical.
Early morning had a chill and misty start and at remained that way for some time, providing the runner’s with a welcome refreshing start to the day.
Giudy Turini
The main protagonists of Hayden Hawks, Peter van de Zon, Erick Agüero and Julien Chorier marked each other over the opening 10km running side-by side.
Eventually, Hayden Hawks decided to make a move… His motive was to build some time and a gap so that he could concede some time on the more challenging and technical terrain.
Peter chasing hard
By Donkey’s Hill he had really opened the throttle and built a huge lead over Peter who chased.
Erick Agüero
Despite the terrain and challenge, Hayden stormed his way to the finish crossing in 4:18:15. Peter battled hard but in the end, the speed of Hayden on the flat and more runnable terrain could not be matched, he reached the finish in 4:25:23.
Expansive vista
Erick Agüero once again finished 3rd once again in 4:38:27 with Julien 4th in 4:46:07.
Giudy Turini
The women’s race went to the protocol of the previous days with Giudy Turini pushing from the front, holding her place and crossing the line in 6:02:17.
Francis Davila Palacios
Francis Davila Palacios played the eternal bridesmaid, always running with a smile and crossing in 6:20:52.
Courtney Hill
Courtney Hill, once again placed 3rd in 7:17:59 and today, Jennifer Schwegler placed 4th.
Tomorrow’s stage is 42km from Sierpe to Drake Bay with a new finish.
Day 3 of The Coastal Challenge kicked off at 0530 this morning and what lay ahead was a tough and challenging day of hills, technical trail, waterfalls, long dusty and stony roads and beach – all intensified by Costa Rican heat and humidity.
The early trails leaving Dominical Beach take the runners into 9.7km’s of technical river bed. It’s all rock hopping and slip sliding away on the wet and greasy surface until Cp1 Barú.
Danish ultra runner, Jakob Bloch.
Nuayaca Waterfall is no doubt the highlight of the day, if not the race. The runners arrive down a small trail and the cascade greets them, they pass through and then climb up a winding trail.
From here on in, the terrain varies from rainforest, dusty access roads and technical trail. La Florida, Cp2 at 23.4km provides hydration and nutrition before the push to Cp3, Hermosa Beach and then Uvita at 42km.
Erick tries to cool down.
Now, the heat is intense and the runners are sandwich pressed between sand and sky.
Peter at the water crossingEveryone survived…
A small technical forest section leads to a water crossing, the highway and then another trail section before road leads to a new campsite, first used in the 2021 edition. Katakolo signifies the finish.
Erick Agüero
Erick Agüero dictated the pace from the start, it comes as no surprise with his experience on the course, particularly the opening technical 10km. He was accompanied by the main protagonists, Hayden Hawks, Peter van de Zon and Julien Chorier.
Julien Chorier
At Cp2 though, Hayden and Peter had pulled away on the rollercoaster terrain and had gained a substantial 5-minute lead. Julien Chorier was now trailing the leading three and losing time.
Hermosa Beach passed and then at the water crossing, immediately after Cp4, Hayden extended a short lead over Peter; both looking strong. Erick now had lost significant time but had a huge lead over 4th, Julien.
Hayden strong and in control
At the line, Hayden had once again extended his time crossing in 5:29:16. Peter, running a solid and excellent race, crossed in 5:31:25 well ahead of the local hero, Erick who ran a time of 5:49:43.
Erick pushing to the lineGiudy was flying!
Giudy Turini once again lead from the front and never looked back. Early in the stage, she was contending a top-10 position overall and that remained the way through most of the stage, so strong was her performance. With no immediate pressure from behind and with such a convincing lead, she is pacing herself perfectly for 2022 TCC victory.
Giudy at the final water crossing
Francis Davila Palacios once again ran strong and steady for 2nd place. Consistent in the heat and terrain, barring any problems over the next three days, her 2nd overall looks secure.
Francis Davila Palacios
Courtney Hill once again followed up a solid stage 2 with a great stage 3, however, the battle with Paolo Gamboa Sanchez, for today, was truce, the due crossed the line together, a second apart.
It was a an 0330 wake up call this morning and an 0530 start. It may sound super early but believe me, the runners weren’t complaining! Most had been in bed before 8pm. The advantages of an early start are simple, it gives the runners a good 2-hours before the heat starts to take its toll. For Costa Rica, it was a chilly morning (relatively) as the runner’s departed straight in to a steep climb.
Today’s stage was a tough 41.3km with 1828m of vertical and 1953m of descending.
Julien Chorier and Peter van de Zorn
Julien Chorier, Peter van de Zorn, Hayden Hawks and Erick Agüero pushed hard on the first climb and after the summit, Julien and Peter opened a small gap over the chasing duo. Leaving the trail, gravel roads lead the way to Cp1 El Brujo at 13.1km. It was a tight race up front and the more technical trail suited Peter, Erick and Julien. Erick opened a gap!
Dos Bocas, Cp2 at 23km and Eick had taken the lead with Peter 2-minutes behind and Hayden chasing 4-minutes back. Was the Costa Rican local and TCC regular about to light up the race?
By Cp3 at Hatillo, 33km, Hayden had closed the gap with Julien not far behind. It was significant marker in the race. The heat was now full strength and ahead flat beach running to Dominical and two water crossings.
Hayden HawksDominical Beach is a haven for the local fishermen.
Hayden bided his time and pulled away, it was a clever move, he had saved something for when it mattered and the gap opened up over Erick with Peter chasing.
Peter van de Zorn
At the line, Hayden had opened up several minutes and clinched another stage victory and a solid lead. Next to appear was Erick and on his heels, Peter. The due crossing the line 35-seconds apart. A stunning day’s racing.
Julien Chorier
Julien Chorier placed 4th and Daniel Herrera Montero placed 5th, flying the flag for Costa Rica.
Daniel Herrera Montero
In the women’s race Giudy Turini followed on her stage 1 victory with a convincing performance. Before Cp1 she had already built a lead, this only increased checkpoint by checkpoint, she crossed the line well ahead of 2nd and looked comfortable in the heat.
Giudy Turini
As on day-1, Francis Davila Palacios ran the day in 2nd place, but as the day progressed and the distance lengthened, the time gap to Giudy only extended. However, at the finish she still looked strong and fresh. There is still a long way to go!
Giudy at the finish.
Paola Gamboa Sanchez who placed 3rd on day-1 struggled a little today opening the door for Courtney Hill who achieved a 14-minute gap. Paola still retaining 3rd overall after 2-stages.
Francis Davila Palacios Courtney HillPaola Gamboa Sanchez
Tomorrow’s stage, stage 3, is 50.5km and a tough one that runs from Dominical Beach to a new finish at Katakolo.
Stage Results:
Hayden Hawks 3:57:06
Erick Agüero 4:00:22
Peter van de Zorn 4:00:57
In the overall standings, Hayden has a 16-minute lead over Peter.
Giudy Turini 5:14:41
Francis Davila Palacios 5:46:35
Courtney Hill 6:26:08
In the overall standings, Giudy has a 37-minutes lead over Francis.
Hayden Hawks crossing the final river for victory.
Leaving San Jose at 0430, runners eventually arrived at Quepos and transferred to the beach for an 0920 start, the 2022 The Coastal Challenge getting underway! As always, day 1 of TCC starts late and typically it is tough… The heat and humidity is already high and there is no time to adjust. This year, temperatures were cooler and the humidity was not as intense.
The early flat miles ticked away and it was Hayden Hawks who pushed the pace. Hayden raced TCC in 2018 and with that experience, he has arrived with better preparation and heat adaptation. He meant business dictating a fast pace.
Peter van der Zon
Behind Peter van der Zon chased followed by Julien Chorier and local, Erick Agüero, a multiple TCC finisher and often on or close to the podium.
Erick Agüero
Giudy Turini dictated the women’s race and looked comfortable and relaxed, Francis Palacios chased.
Giudy Turini
Cp1 at Boca Naranjito and runner’s were already feeling the heat and the impact of the opening flat miles.
Cooling off
A dense section of rainforest and then some fast trails to cp2, Londres, saw Hayden extend his lead and notably, Erick was now in third place.
At the third aid station, Los Campesinos, a steep climb and descent before the final river crossing allowed the gaps to open. Hayden never really attacked, he just maintained a fast pace, the cooler day allowing him to close faster than his 2018 time when racing with Tom Evans. A day 1 victory.
Peter ran a smart race with a strong second place, almost 12-minutes behind Hayden. TCC regular, Erick placed third 5-minutes later.
Giudy for the ladies was not in a race on her own, she was pushed by Francis and Paolo Gamboa Sanchez, all three finishing within a 10-minute window.
Paolo Sanchez
Notably, Tomomi Bitoh from Japan, who placed second at Marathon des Sables in October, was unable to start after a positive Covid test pre-race. Needless to say, it was sad news and while the Coronavirus situation is improving, the TCC and race team have strict protocols in place to ensure everyones safety.
Julien Chorier
Julien Chorier and Franco Colle suffered in the heat and humidity today, placing 4th and 7th respectively.
Franco Colle
Hayden Hawks 2:35:29
Peter van der Zon 2:47:13
Erick Agüero 2:51:59
Francis Palacios
Giudy Turini 3:44:15
Francis Palacios 3:47:28
Paolo Gamboa Sanchez 3:53:44
Stage 2 starts at Rafiki Lodge and concludes at Dominical Beach, 41.3km and 1828m of vertical.
Runners have arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica ahead of the 2022 The Coastal Challenge. In less than 24-hours, racing gets underway close to the coastal town of Quepos, ahead, a multi-day journey that concludes in the stunning Drake Bay.
Hayden Hawks, heads up the elite field having raced here in 2018 and placing 2nd behind Tom Evans.
Hayden will have strong competition from Julien Chorier (France), Franco Colle (Italy) and Petervan der Zon (Netherlands).
Julien Chorier
In the women’s race, the main two protagonists will be Giudy Turini (Italy) and Tomomi Bitoh (Japan).
Giudy Turini
Tomomi recently placed 2nd at the October edition of Marathon des Sables and Giudy is an experienced trail runner, mountain runner and ski mountaineer.
2022 Route
The 2022 route for TCC, both Adventure and Expedition, has been impacted due to the Coronavirus pandemic and will see some changes. Notably to days 5 and 6 with a new camp finish and start resulting in a longer final day. More information will follow with daily posts.
Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4Stage 5Stage 6
Adventure
Day 1 33.5km
Day 2 17.4km
Day 3 18km
Day 4 14.5km
Day 5 25.9km
Day 6 36.4km
Total 145.7km
Expedition
Day 1 33.5km
Day 2 41.3km
Day 3 50.5km
Day 4 37.4km
Day 5 42km
Day 6 36.5km
Total 241.2km
Course records for previous editions of the Expedition are Tom Evans 21h 29m 12s and Ida Nilsson 23h 36m 04s.
Racing starts 0900 on Sunday February 6th. Use #TCC2022 to follow the race and check Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for daily updates.
A second-place finish at the 35th Marathon des Sables in October 2021 has set Japans Tomomi Bitoh up for The Coastal Challenge that will take place in Costa Rica, February 2022.
A relatively unknown when standing on the start line of MDS in Morocco, it soon became apparent that Tomomi was ‘one-to-watch’ as the race unfolded. Her relentless smile, positive attitude shone through resulting not only in a victory of the final stage marathon distance but 2nd overall.
Tomomi is new to the sport, in 2018 she became a freelance professional trainer and in April that year ran her first marathon, she now has a PB 2:59:32. Winner of the Fuji Five Lakes Ultra Marathon and the Fuji Goko Ultra Marathon 118km, Tomomi also races at a competitive level in Spartan events. Spartan will provide Tomomi a great level of skill sets that she will be able to utilize at TCC, especially with the mixed and challenging terrain.
Marathon des Sables was a breakthrough performance and the multi-day format of TCC in Costa Rica will bring a new challenge.
The Race
Hugging the coastline of the tropical Pacific, The Coastal Challenge is the ultimate multi-day experience that weaves in and out of the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of Central America. The terrain is ever-changing from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails. Runners will cross rivers, boulders, pass under waterfalls, survive long relentless beaches and finally finish in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site with a stunning final loop around Drake Bay.
With two races available, an Expedition Run of 230km and an Adventure Run of 155km – TCC is a race not to be missed!
230km and 10.000m+
Join the race in 2022, February 5th to 12th, registration HERE
Please note, TCC requires full vaccination and documented proof will be required.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
Former cyclist and triathlete, now inspirational trail runner, Julien Chorier will join the line-up of the 2022 The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica.
It’s been a long-term project for Julien to join the TCC party, originally planned for 2020 then 2021, now Julien can make the dream a reality in ’22.’
With well over 10-years in the sport, there are few races that Julien has not participated in. Importantly, he has also won many… Way back in 2007 the Frenchman won CCC, in 2008 he was 3rd at UTMB, in 2009 he won the iconic Raid de la Reunion.
9 Dragons, Hong Kong
What followed is a list of palmáres that are too long to list, key highlights being: 1st Andorra Ultra Trail 2010, 1st Hardrock 100 and Raid de la Reunion 2011, 1st UTMF 2012, 1st Andorra Ultra Trail 2013, 1st MIUT 2014, 1st EcoTrail Funchal 2016 and in and amongst all these victories are countless podium and top-10 places. Importantly, Julien has multi-day experience both at the iconic Marathon des Sables and MDS Peru.
Julien is an ambassador for the sport. Since 2014, he has been running and working for the HOKA brand, as team captain of the team trail. In addition to this, he has a ‘Middle Mountain Guide’ diploma and organizes and supervises trail courses, as he says, “It is a way to transmit my passion and my experience of ultra.”
The Coastal Challenge is excited to have Julien toe the line in Quepos come February 2022. One thing is for sure, Julien will bring a wealth of experience to the start line and doubt, in camp every night, he will pass that experience on to each and every participant.
“What a privilege to discover the world by running to discover myself, my limits and my feelings!”
– Julien Chorier
The Coastal Challenge
Irrespective of pace or effort, the Costa Rican coastline never stops providing inspiration. This is so much more than a race, It is a journey, a running holiday and a voyage of discovery. Friendships made in the rainforests, on the beaches and in the camps are ones to last a lifetime – the race is one of survival, perseverance and enjoyment in equal measure.
“This has been an incredible journey. It’s a stunning and magnificent part of the world and the course, terrain, views and the racing has been world-class. I have been blown away by everything – the final stage was just stunning and it managed to compress the whole TCC experience in just 22km. I will be back to TCC and Costa Rica one day, guaranteed!”
– Tom Owens, 2017 Champion
Hugging the coastline of the tropical Pacific, TCC is the ultimate supported multi-day experience that weaves in and out of the Talamancas; a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of this Central American country. Runners will cross rivers, boulder, swim through rivers, pass under waterfalls, survive long relentless beaches and finally finish in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site. The terrain is ever-changing from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails.
With two races available, an Expedition Run of 230km and an Adventure Run of 155km – TCC is a race not to be missed!
230km and 10.000m+
Join the race in 2022, February 5th to 12th, registration HERE
Please note, TCC requires full vaccination and documented proof will be required.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
The Coastal Challenge, is pleased to announce the first two elite athletes to join the line-up of the 2022 race that will take plane in February – Hayden Hawks and Beth Pascall.
Due to the global pandemic, the 2021 edition of the TCC took place but unfortunately, due to travel complications, was very much a local event. Now with restrictions easing throughout the world, the race will return to its original format welcoming competitors from all over the world. Hayden Hawks, a previous participant at the TCC will headline the line-up along with the 2021 Western States Endurance Run champion, Beth Pascall.
Hayden TCC 2018
Hayden burst on the ultra-running scene in 2016 when he battled with Zach Miller at TNF50 where he placed 2nd. He won the CCC in 2017 and in addition he has won Lavaredo 120km, Chuckanut 50km, Black Canyon 100km, Squaw Peak 50m, JFK50, Red Mountain 55km and recently Zion Ultra. At The Coastal Challenge 2018, Hayden ran a stunning head-to-head battle with the UK’s Tom Evans which produced a course record time for the Brit. Hayden returns in 2022 looking to top the podium and preparation for the 2022 Western States after placing 11th in 2020.
Beth at Transgrancanaria
Beth first came to my attention in 2016 when photographing the UK’s Lakeland 100, her victory in 21:29 placing her 4th overall. From that moment on, Beth has impressed, always challenging herself on a world stage and progressing through the ranks, be that in multi-day races such as The Dragons Back or fighting the 100-mile distance at UTMB. Highlights have come with 1st at the Highland Fling (UK Championship), 2nd at MIUT, 6th Raid de la Reunion, 4th and 5th UTMB and a string of FKT’s. Recently, a stunning Bob Graham Round course record time of 14:34 in 2020 provided a hint of the athletic talent and speed that Beth possesses and this was confirmed with victory at Canyons 100km in 2021. This set the platform for the 2021 Western States where Beth ran the race of her life to take victory. Now, she returns to the multi-day format and the heat and humidity of Costa Rica for the 2022 The Coastal Challenge.
Hugging the coastline of the tropical Pacific, TCC is the ultimate supported multi-day experience that weaves in and out of the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of this Central American country.The terrain is ever-changing from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails. Runners will cross rivers, boulder, swim through rivers, pass under waterfalls, survive long relentless beaches and finally finish in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning final loop around Drake Bay before departing for their journeys home via speedboat.
230km and 10.000m+
Join the race in 2022, February 5th to 12th, registration HERE
Please note, TCC requires full vaccination and documented proof will be required.
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
The 2021 ‘The Coastal Challenge’ is upon us! A six day, supported, 230.5km journey that takes runners from Quepos to the UNESCO heritage Drake Bay.
Over the years, TCC has grown in stature with an incredible list of athletes from all over the world, in 2020, Kaytlyn Gerbin and Cody Lind took the top honors. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the 2021 TCC will see a reduced capacity race that will primarily see local participants with only a very small contingent coming from other locations.
It’s fortuitous for TCC that 2018 participant and adidas Terrex athlete, Timothy Olson now bases himself in Costa Rica and therefore he will toe the line for the 2021 edition. The last time he raced at TCC he battled with Michael Wardian, Hayden Hawks, Tom Evans and Marcus Scotney. Unfortunately, Tim’s race was cut short after a bad fall on stage 4.
Tim relaxing in Costa Rica
I caught up with Tim to get his thoughts ahead of the race in February.
How was 2020 for you and how did you survive and motivate through the pandemic?
What a year, 2020 was a challenging year all around. It changed the way of life for many, I was extremely fortunate to enjoy running, good food and family right where we were living in Costa Rica. I shifted my focus from training for any particular race to just appreciating each moment I had, using running as a way to give thanks, praying for and uplifting humanity. Instead of focusing on fear and the unknown I felt motivated to spread encouragement and love.
Priorities have shifted in 2020, what changes have you personally made?
I could definitely feel many major shifts in 2020, it was solid confirmation that my priorities were in the right place. I value time with family and loved ones, supporting local/organic & regenerative farming practices, deepening my meditation and running practice and continuing to do the internal work to be the best human I can be.
Mindfulness is important for you; how did this help in 2020?
Mindfulness was the foundation in which I set my focus on daily. I started each morning of 2020 with meditation and mindfulness practice cultivating what I wanted to see in the world. I would contemplate all the drama in the world, notice how I felt and what would arise internally. Then I would take time to just sit with it no matter what arose. There were definitely dark times, I aimed to learn and grow through really feeling my emotions, taking the time to integrate life’s wild ride. I am grateful for it all and feel calm, grounded and confident as I embark on the next adventure of 2021.
Mindfulness was the foundation in which I set my focus on daily.
You are back in Costa Rica, it’s like a 2nd home – tell me why?
Right now, it is home. We fell in love with the tiny community where we live. The community here is family to me. I have some really good friends here and feel very fortunate to spend time with the working with and appreciating this rich valley. Not many trails but really challenging dirt roads to keep the training rolling. I’ll run in and through the little mountains all the way to the Ocean and then back home, stacking up lots of vertical gain and some hot kilometers onto my feet. On the way I will cool off in a waterfall enjoy a platano and take in all the beauty around me. I’m so grateful for all the amazing places I am able to run and explore but the community of mindful people makes it home.
You raced TCC in 2018, what brings you back?
Taking care of Unfinished business while celebrating this beautiful country and the joy of running. I sprained my ankle really bad here in 2018 and was not able to complete the final day. I was bummed but new I’d be back. I’m really looking forward to completing all the days. A few of the days we run through Dominical, near Nauyaca and to the Whales take and Uvita. I have run all over this area, I run close to Nauyaca daily and looking forward to sharing the trails with the local Ticos.
2021 is going to be a year of more questions, if all goes well with Covid, what are your hopes and priorities?
Lots of questions but I will keep running and doing what I love no matter what. I’m hoping to return to the US and run a long trail. I’ve been thinking about doing the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650mile trail that goes from Mexico to Canada through some of my favorite places in the US. The pct means a lot to me and I look forward to completing it one, I’m hoping to do this on 2021 but with Covid I have other ideas if this falls through. When I run it, I want the adventure to uplift people, motivate, raise awareness and encourage people to get outside and do whatever makes them come alive. I want to do what is nest for humanity so we will see what happens this year, but I’ll continually keep spreading good vibes.
The Race:
Stage 1 34.6km 1018m of vert and 886m of descent
Stage 2 39.1km 1898m of vert and 1984m of descent
Stage 3 47.4km 1781m of vert and 1736m of descent
Stage 4 37.1km 2466m of vert and 2424m of descent
Stage 5 49.8km 1767m of vert and 1770m of descent
Stage 6 22.5km 613m of vert and 613m of descent
Total 230.5km
Vertical 9543m
Descent 9413m
Hugging the coastline of the tropical Pacific, TCC is the ultimate multi-day experience that weaves in and out of the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of this Central American country.
The terrain is ever-changing from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails. Runners will cross rivers, boulder, swim through rivers, pass under waterfalls, survive long relentless beaches and finally finish in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning final loop around Drake Bay before departing for their journeys home via speedboat.
Stage 1
It’s a tough day! Runners depart San Jose early morning (around 0530) for a 3-hour drive to Playa Del Rey, Quepos. It’s the only day that the race starts late and ‘in the sun!’. It’s the toughest day of the race, not because the terrain or distance, but because of the time of day! The runners are fresh and feel great. That is until about 10km and then they realise the heat and humidity is relentless. It’s a day for caution – mark my words! The 34.6km is very runnable with little vertical and technicality, it welcomes the runners to Costa Rica.
Stage 2
From here on in, it is early breakfast, around 0400 starts with the race starting with the arrival of the sun! The only way is up from the start with a tough and challenging climb to start the day. 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
It is basically 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. Puma Vida.
Stage 4
It’s another tough start to the day with a relentless climb, 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! This route was 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 at Drake Bay is iconic.
Stage 6
The victory lap! For many, this stage is the most beautiful and memorable. In just over 20km, the route manages to include a little of all that has gone before. It’s a stage of fun and challenges and one that concludes on the beach as a 2018 medal is placed over your head – job done!
Follow #TCC2021
Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.
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