IAN CORLESS

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The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2026 – Stage 4

Posted on February 11, 2026 by talkultra

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica pulled runners away from the coastline and into the high farmlands of the country’s interior. It was a bruising day, 37.7 kilometers with 2,613 meters of climbing for the Expedition category.

No hiding from it. The terrain rolled relentlessly, climbing and plunging through rough rural tracks and exposed hillsides before dropping toward the finish in Palma Norte. It was a stage built to test already tired legs, and it did exactly that.

Men’s Race

Erick Aguirre ran smart. With a solid overall lead, there was no need to take risks. He spent the day alongside Jesus Cerdas, the pair moving steadily across the harsh terrain. They crossed together in 6:05:43, controlled and composed.

Behind them, the real battle unfolded.

Jon Shield fought all day. For much of the stage he sat in fourth, but he never let the gap grow. Gradually he reeled in Martin Alonso Mena. The two arrived at the line almost inseparable after more than six and a half hours of racing. Shield edged it by just three seconds, 6:38:26 to 6:38:29. A long day decided by the smallest of margins.

Women’s Race

Denise Zelaya continues to run her own race. Calm, consistent, and completely dominant, she finished in 7:29, well clear of the field.

Janina Beck followed in 8:27, with Floribeth Perez completing the podium in 8:59. On a day that punished everyone, Zelaya once again showed control and strength.

Adventure Category

The Adventure course was shorter at 12 kilometers, but still far from easy. Sammy Francis ran solo again, crossing in 3:39:22 with another composed performance. In the women’s race, Laura Zuniga finished in 4:13:45, gaining more time on Toni Clark and steadily building her advantage.

*Please note – Adventure times need to deduct 1:49 from the times

With four stages complete, fatigue is real. The coastal humidity has been replaced by exposed climbs and rolling farmland. Every step now carries the weight of the days before.

The Boruca region of southern Costa Rica feels different from the postcard version of the country. This is not manicured resort coastline or dense jungle trails pressed flat by tourists. It is rural, working land, shaped as much by history as by weather.

The Boruca people, one of Costa Rica’s remaining Indigenous communities, have lived here for generations, known for their hand-carved masks and fiercely preserved traditions.

Around their villages the land rolls outward into open pasture and patchwork farmland, where cattle graze on steep green hills and small family plots cling to uneven slopes. The terrain is restless. Long climbs rise without rhythm, dirt roads bake under the sun, and sharp descents cut down into river crossings and humid low pockets before rising again.

It is a landscape that looks soft from a distance, all green folds and misty ridgelines, but up close it is rugged and unforgiving. The soil can be loose, the heat heavy, and the gradients relentless. In the high farmlands near Palma Norte, you move through open exposure rather than forest cover, feeling the scale of the land around you. It is beautiful, but it demands respect.

Race results https://www.webscorer.com/

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2026 – Stage 3

Posted on February 10, 2026 by talkultra

Stage 3 of The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica is always circled in red. The Queen Stage. The day that defines the race. The stage that strips things back to effort, patience, and decision-making. On paper it is long and brutal. On the ground, it is something else entirely.

The morning stars with the coast, in the quiet half-light where the jungle still holds the night. Runners gathered with headlamps flickering, shoes already damp from the humidity. The air was heavy but mercifully cooler than previous days. Low cloud sat over the hills. It would prove to be a gift.

Almost immediately, the course dropped into a wide riverbed. This opening section is deceptive. It looks runnable, even friendly. Pale stones, shallow flowing water, open sky above. But riverbed running is never free speed. Every step shifts. Ankles work overtime. Shoes fill with water within minutes. The rhythm becomes uneven, a constant negotiation between pace and balance. Some runners hopped rock to rock, trying to keep their feet dry. Others accepted the soak and drove straight through, splashing forward with purpose.

The sound here was distinctive. Footsteps slapping water. Heavy breathing echoing off the valley walls. Occasional shouts as someone slipped or laughed at the futility of staying clean. This was Costa Rica announcing itself early.

As the river narrowed, the trail began to rise. Jungle closed in. Thick green walls pressed close, vines hanging low, the smell of wet earth and vegetation everywhere. Heat built quickly once the climbing started, but the cloud cover held. No direct sun. No baking. For this stage, that mattered more than almost anything.

Then came Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Few race courses pass somewhere this iconic. The roar of the falls could be heard long before they were seen, a deep, constant thunder. Mist hung in the air. The trail twisted along the edge, offering brief, almost cinematic glimpses of white water crashing down into turquoise pools far below. Volunteers stood grinning, clapping runners through, knowing exactly how cruel it is to pass somewhere so beautiful with no time to stop.

The climbs around the waterfalls were short but sharp. Legs were already feeling the cost of the riverbed. Breathing became laboured. Sweat mixed with spray from the falls. It felt primal. Raw. A reminder that this race is as much about environment as distance.

After Nauyaca, the stage changed character again. The trail rolled relentlessly. Up. Down. Some long climbs you can settle into. No extended descents to recover. Just constant undulation through jungle, farmland, and rough tracks. This is where the Queen Stage earns its reputation.

The terrain was hard and punishing. Exposed dirt roads baked under thinning cloud. Narrow singletrack where roots and rocks waited to catch tired feet. Every rise felt unnecessary. Every dip stole momentum. It was a section that demanded discipline. Go too hard, and the coast would destroy you later. Hold back too much, and you’d bleed time you’d never get back.

At the front, Erick Aguero was putting on another master class.

Aguero’s racing here is never flashy. No surges for the crowd. No dramatic moves. Just relentless forward motion. Smooth cadence. Perfect pack management. He ran like someone who knows this land, understands the humidity, respects the distance. While others visibly fought the course, Aguero flowed with it. By the time the terrain began to open and the air shifted, his advantage was already established.

Eventually, after hours inland, something changed. The breeze arrived first. Salty. Cool. Then the light brightened. And suddenly, unmistakably, the coast appeared.

This transition is one of the great moments of the race. Jungle gives way to open sky. The sound of waves replaces insects. The vastness of the Pacific stretches out ahead. Runners hit the sands near the start of the Adventure course, knowing the end is closer now, but also knowing that beaches come with their own price.

The sand was soft in places, compact in others. Feet sank, calves screamed. The trail wove along the coastline, ducking in and out of shaded sections, then back onto open beach. Offshore, the famous Whale Tail formation of Marino Ballena National Park stood out clearly, a natural landmark that feels almost surreal when you’re deep into a long race.

There was beauty here, but also vulnerability. The sun broke through the cloud intermittently. Reflections off the water were harsh. Runners could smell salt on their skin. Aid stations felt like lifelines. Ice, cola, encouragement in multiple languages.

The final kilometres into Ballena Village were a test of stubbornness. Legs heavy. Feet blistered. Packs lighter but shoulders sore. The finish line came slowly, deliberately, making runners earn every step.

Aguero crossed first in 6:26:41, calm, composed, as if he had expected nothing else. Behind him, Jon Shield fought hard to secure second in 6:54:50, holding off a strong late push from Joe Matheson, who finished just over a minute later in 6:56:02. All three looked spent. All three knew they had survived the hardest day.

In the women’s Expedition race, the story was familiar. A repeat of the previous stage with a dominant Denise Zelaya in control from the front. No drama. Just execution. On a day like this, consistency matters more than heroics. Janina Beck finished 2nd 8:57:19 with Vanessa Duran 3rd in 9:34:11.

Results at webscorer.com

In the Adventure category Laura Zuñiga crossed in 5:40:27 with Toni Clarke close behind 5:45:42, it’s a battle between the two, and Kristel polet 5:46:04 in 3rd. For the men, once again Sammy Francis lead Alberto Gil, 5:20:23 and 5:22:28 respectively. Roberto Solano was 3rd in 5:40:20.

Stage 3 didn’t just shuffle the leaderboard. It revealed it. It exposed weaknesses, rewarded patience, and reminded everyone why The Coastal Challenge is respected worldwide. Long after the finish line buzz faded and runners collapsed into shade with food and cold drinks, the Queen Stage lingered

It always does.

Race results https://www.webscorer.com/

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2026 – Stage 1

Posted on February 8, 2026 by talkultra

Stage 1 of the 2026 The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica set the tone in the way it always does. It reminded everyone, very quickly, that Costa Rica plays by its own rules.

The day began long before sunrise. At 02:30, alarms cut through the darkness as runners gathered for a 03:30 departure, quiet conversations, nervous energy. There is something uniquely disorienting about starting a race day in the middle of the night, especially when the real work will not begin for several more hours. The long drive to the coast and Quepos was filled with anticipation and the kind of silence that comes when athletes are saving energy and thoughts for later.

By the time the start line finally came into view, just after 08:00, the sun was already making its presence known. The heat and humidity were not waiting for anyone. They never do. Stage 1 has a reputation, and once again it lived up to it. Starting late in the morning is always a challenge here. Bodies are not yet adapted, pacing plans are optimistic, and the Costa Rican climate is unforgiving if respect is not shown early.

From the beach start, the course wasted no time in revealing its character. Soft sand gave way to gravel roads, then into dense rainforest where the air felt heavier with every step. Climbs were sharp and relentless, descents technical and punishing on tired legs, and water crossings offered brief moments of relief before the heat closed in again. This was not a gentle introduction. This was pure Costa Rica.

In the Expedition race, Ramon Rosello took control early and never let it slip. He dictated the pace with confidence, moving smoothly through the terrain while others struggled to find rhythm. By the latter stages of the course, he had opened a substantial gap, finishing in a commanding 3:57:03. Behind him, Jon Shield fought hard in the conditions, crossing the line in 4:14:02. It was a clear statement from Rosello on a day where patience and experience mattered as much as speed.

Attention had been on Erick Aguirro going into the stage, with many expecting him to lead the day. However, a lingering injury told its own story. Though still competitive, Aguirro was unable to respond when the pace lifted, eventually finishing fourth behind Jesus Cerdas. On a course like this, even the smallest physical issue is magnified. Stage 1 has a way of exposing weaknesses, and there is little room to hide when the heat begins to bite.

In the women’s Expedition race, Denise Zelaya delivered a strong and controlled performance. She handled the conditions well, maintaining focus and discipline as others faded, to cross the line in 4:47:47. Janina Beck followed in 5:19:25, digging deep through the final kilometres as the accumulated fatigue of the day took hold. Both athletes showed the importance of measured pacing on a stage where ambition can quickly turn into survival.

The Adventure race brought its own drama and determination. Toni Clark led the women with a time of 4:29:41, showing resilience and strength across the varied terrain. For the men, Sammy Francis topped the standings in 3:45:28, navigating the course with efficiency and confidence. Across both races, the story was the same. Those who respected the day were rewarded. Those who did not paid for it.

Stage 1 is always tough, but it is especially brutal because the runners are not yet adapted to the environment. The heat punishes fast starts. The humidity steals energy quietly and persistently. Even seasoned athletes find themselves recalibrating expectations within the first hour. This year was no different. Faces at the finish told the story clearly. Relief, exhaustion, and a newfound respect for what lies ahead.

Costa Rica is at the heart of this race, not just as a location, but as a character in its own right. The diversity of the landscape is extraordinary. One moment you are running along the coastline with the Pacific at your side, the next you are climbing through thick jungle where the sounds of wildlife surround you. The beauty is undeniable, but it comes with a cost. Every climb, every descent, every humid kilometre demands something in return.

As runners made their way into Rafiki Lodge, recovery became the immediate focus. Cooling down, rehydrating, and reflecting on lessons learned. Many arrived with sore legs and humbled minds. Stage 1 has a habit of reshaping race strategies, and this year it was no exception. There was a shared understanding among competitors that the race had truly begun.

Tomorrow brings Stage 2, and with it, a much earlier start for the Expedition runners. Those early hours promise more comfortable conditions, at least by Costa Rican standards. The heat will still come, but later. For now, the priority is rest, refuelling, and preparation. The Coastal Challenge is not won on the first day, but it can certainly be lost.

Stage 1 from Quepos to Rafiki Lodge delivered everything it promised. Heat, humidity, challenge, and beauty in equal measure. It reminded everyone why this race is so highly regarded, and why Costa Rica demands respect. The journey has only just begun, and already it has left its mark.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

Route Book TCC 2026 – ENG Download

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica : A 2026 Perspective on One of the World’s Toughest Stage Races

Posted on February 3, 2026 by talkultra

Stage racing has a way of exposing everything. Fitness, patience, preparation, and mindset all get tested, not just by distance, but by what happens between the stages. Terrain is only part of the story. How you recover, rehydrate, eat, sleep, and reset day after day matters just as much.

Back in 2016, comparisons between The Coastal Challenge and Marathon des Sables were unavoidable. A decade on, those comparisons still come up, but the conversation has matured. These races now stand on their own terms.

Marathon des Sables strips runners back to survival basics: self-sufficiency, rationed water, shared bivouacs, and total responsibility for your own race. That’s its identity, and it’s why it remains iconic.

The Coastal Challenge is different. It’s not self-sufficient, but that doesn’t make it easier. In many ways, it’s more demanding. The Costa Rican rainforest, the coastline, the heat, the humidity, and the relentless terrain combine into something that feels far less predictable and far less forgiving.

What The Coastal Challenge Looks Like Today

The race remains a point-to-point journey across Costa Rica’s wild south-west, traditionally running from Quepos to Drake Bay, followed by a final loop stage in and around Corcovado National Park.

The format has remained consistent: six days, six stages, each with its own character. Distances and elevation are substantial, especially when you factor in heat, humidity, and terrain. There are some changes to the route and now, in 2026, I consider the route to be more challenging, especially with a longer stage 6.

Download the 2026 TCC Road Book HERE

Expedition Category

• Stage 1: 33km 1115m+

• Stage 2: 41km 1706m+

• Stage 3: 47.5km 1754m+ Long day

• Stage 4: 37.7km 2613m+ Most vertical

• Stage 5 41km 1685m+

• Stage 6: 35.9km 858m+

Total distance 236.1km’s with 9731m+

Gladly, there is an ADVENTURE category and while stage 1 and stage 2 are almost the same, the distances for stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 are notably shorter:

Stage 2: 16.8km 280m+
Stage 3: 15.2km 200m+
Stage 4: 12.5km 552m+
Stage 5: 23km 1117m+

Total distance 136.4km’s 3901m+

None of these numbers tell the full story. Beach running, river crossings, jungle trails, fire roads, steep climbs, and long descents all feature. Every day feels different. Every day asks something new.

NOTE: It is possible to move from EXPEDITION to ADVENTURE during the race, however, you will not receive a medal.

Is TCC Harder Than Marathon des Sables?

The honest answer is still: yes and no.

Where TCC Is Easier

• You are not self-sufficient. You carry only essentials during the stage.

• Aid stations provide water and basic food.

• Your main kit bag is transported daily.

• You sleep in your own tent.

• Food is provided morning, post-stage, and evening.

• Camps are often in stunning locations, sometimes with cold drinks available.

• You have space to recover properly each night.

• The long day is shorter in distance than MDS.

Where TCC Is Harder

• The terrain is relentlessly varied and often technical.

• Elevation gain and loss are constant and cumulative.

• Fire roads punish tired legs.

• Beach running is deceptively draining, both physically and mentally.

• Heat is relentless.

• Humidity regularly sits above 75%.

• Your feet are wet every single day.

• The long day may be “only” 47 km, but add 1754 m+ of vertical, technical trails, and jungle heat, and it becomes one of the hardest stages you’ll ever run.

This race doesn’t grind you down with deprivation. It wears you down with exposure.

Packing for Success in a Modern TCC

Because your kit is transported daily, you can afford to be comfortable. Waterproof storage remains essential. While the race still recommends Action Packer-style boxes, they’re awkward for international travel. Most experienced runners now opt for a robust waterproof duffel or roll-top bag, with internal dry bags for organisation.

You’re racing in a rainforest. Rain is not hypothetical.

Bring 6–8 full run kits. The system is simple and still works best:

• Run in one kit.

• Finish, shower, change.

• Sleep in the next day’s run kit.

Breathable fabrics are essential. Shoulder coverage matters more than people expect. Sun exposure combined with sweat and salt can destroy skin over six days. Hats are non-negotiable. Neck coverage is smart. Minimal strappy tops often look appealing but lead to brutal sunburn patterns.

Camp life is relaxing and simple, make sure you bring a sleeping mat and ideally a silk liner, a sleeping bag is not needed BUT it can get chilly around 2am to 5am. Additional camp clothing can be a nice break from run kit – for women thi scan be a loose dress, the the men, shorts and T. Flip flops or similar are essential.

Make sure you bring a plate, knife, fork and spoon and also a cup for drinks.

Shoes and Foot Care: The Deciding Factor

If runners fail at TCC, it’s usually due to feet or hydration.

Your feet will be wet every day. Rivers, streams, mud, ocean crossings. Add technical terrain, rocks, roots, and sand, and your feet take a beating.

Bring at least two pairs of trail shoes, ideally three. Some runners include a half-size-up “emergency pair” for swelling later in the race.

Forget blanket advice about sizing up. Shoes that are too big allow movement. Movement causes friction. Friction causes blisters. You need roughly a thumbnail’s space in front of the big toe, no more. Fit matters more than brand.

Your shoes must:

• Drain water efficiently

• Dry quickly

• Handle rock, mud, sand, and wet roots

• Match your gait, cushioning preference, and drop

Trail shoes are mandatory. Breathability is critical.

Socks matter just as much. A fresh pair every day is essential. Toe socks have proven exceptionally effective for many runners in these conditions.

Shoe recommendation is impossible, we are all unique, however, VJ Sport offer the best grip in the harsh terrain of Costa Rica – take a look at the VJ Ultra 3 HERE

What to Carry During the Stage

Compared to many stage races, your on-course kit is minimal.

A lightweight vest-style pack works best. Many runners now carry a bladder plus two bottles. Aid stations can be far apart, and dehydration happens fast.

Carry:

• First aid basics

• Whistle

• Phone (waterproofed)

• Cash

• Sunscreen

• Purification tablets (just in case) or a water filter.

• Personal nutrition

• Poles (optional, but useful)

If you use poles, they must fold, stow quickly, and be second nature to deploy. Practice with them before the race.

Heat, Hydration, and Survival

It’s hot. Always.

You’ll sweat within minutes of starting and continue all day. Hydration is constant, not reactive. Drink regularly, not just when thirsty. Electrolytes are personal. Know what works for you before arriving.

Never pass water without topping up.

Use the environment to your advantage. Rivers, streams, and pools are not obstacles, they are survival tools. Submerge fully whenever possible. Two or three minutes can reset your entire system.

Run in shade. Walk in sun. Cover your head and shoulders. Pour water over yourself often.

Practical Race Wisdom

• Day 1 starts fast and later than other days. Most people go out too hard. Many drop out here.

• From Day 2 onward, you start at sunrise. Use the cooler hours wisely.

• This is a technical race. Train for climbing and descending.

• Everyone walks. Learn to do it efficiently.

• The course is well marked, but fatigue makes mistakes easy. If you haven’t seen a marker in five minutes, stop and check. Use the GPX files on a watch.

• Wildlife surrounds you. You’ll hear far more than you’ll see.

• After each stage: shoes off, feet checked, flip-flops on immediately.

• Eat, hydrate, nap, elevate legs.

• Camps are social, but your tent is your reset space.

A Note for Female Runners

Practical comfort matters.

Light, non-run clothing for evenings makes a big difference. Sundresses or loose cotton work well. Flip-flops are essential, including for showers.

A two-piece swimsuit is useful for river or ocean bathing.

Sleep in run kit.

Don’t economise on sunscreen. Carry anti-chafe cream and reapply regularly. High humidity changes everything.

Avoid skorts. They hold water and add friction. Single-layer shorts or breathable tights work better.

Hair conditioner is not optional. Sachets pack well and don’t leak.

Leave rings at home. Swelling is real.

Waterproof zip-locks for cash and toilet paper are worth their weight.

Phones must be properly waterproofed or left behind for river-heavy sections.

Final Thoughts

The Coastal Challenge doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a hard, beautiful, immersive journey through one of the most demanding environments you’ll ever race in. It will challenge you. It will frustrate you. It will humble you. And if you arrive prepared, it will reward you in ways few races can.

Look up. Take it in. Accept the discomfort. Prepare well for heat, humidity, technical terrain, and recovery. Get your head right before you arrive. If you do that, the race doesn’t just become manageable. It becomes unforgettable.

Entries for The Coastal Challenge are HERE

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2025 – Stage 6

Posted on February 14, 2025 by talkultra

A good nights sleep, no rain, and stage 6 was underway at 0540. Today, 35.9km’s for all racers.

Stage 6 is arguably the Queen stage of the race, it manages to contain every aspect and highlight from all the previous stages and condense them into an incredible and beautiful route.

Early gravel road km’s give way to a stunning waterfall crossing section. A run through farmlands and eventually the coast and beach arrives. The route then weaves its way to Bahía Drake and the finish line.

For many, it’s a day to ease back and enjoy the trails and the views, the reward at the end, a medal.

For much of the day, Pierre Meslet and Sergio Turull ran together, that is, until the final 4km’s when Pierre pulled away to secure the final stage and become TCC 2025 champion.

Sergio was elated to have a good day. As the week has progresses he has acclimated and adapted to the heat, humidity and technical terrain, with victory on stage 5 and 2nd on stage 6, his week has been a huge success.

Katie Young had a steady day running with the other top men, a day to relax and enjoy, confident the overall victory was secure.

Race Results HERE

The finish line is one of emotion and joy, each runner a story to tell, and experience lived and importantly, memories made to last a lifetime. TCC is so much more than a race, it is an adventure into an environment that so few get to see. It may be challenging, tough and difficult, but this is the reward of the journey.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2025 – Stage 2

Posted on February 10, 2025 by talkultra

It’s a rainforest, and last night the rain came. As per usual, it was short lived, but it was a torrential downpour that had an impact on those who had not been careful with admin in camp. If careless, everything was wet…

Everyone was asleep as early as possible. Stage 2 would have a 0500 depart by bus for adventure and an 0530 start for Expedition. Breakfast started from 0300.

Out of camp, the Expedition runner’s went straight into a steep sharp climb, the ground now muddy and slippery from the rain. Humidity was high but temperatures were cool.

At the top, a rollercoaster of gravel roads lead to cp1, El Brujo, and then more gravel road and rainforest to cp2, Dos Bocas.

At cp2 Adventure started and the route drops all the way down to the ocean, but before, cp3 at Hatillo.

A water crossing leads to a long and hot beach section before finishing on the beach in Dominical.

Erick Aguero started the day hard, pushing and pushing to open up a gap on Pierre Meslet. This is Erick’s 7th TCC and he has been on the podium many times, 2nd the highest, this year he wants to win.

At the top of the climb, Pierre was a few minutes back but relaxed.

For the women, Katie Young once again is in a race on her own and actually, is more than likely to place 3rd overall if she continues this relentless charge. She is on fire.

40km is a long tough day for Expedition and with the charge from Erick, many wondered what would happen. The due arrived together for the water crossing just after cp3. With a long flat beach straight to the line, this would fall into the hands to Pierre’s fast running style. Erick could just look on as the gap opened, he had fought hard, took a chance and today, he gained no time, the gap is 16-minutes. Allan Barrielle is 3rd, 1-hour 25-minutes behind Pierre.

Katie dominated the day for the women, her lead now after 2 days is 3-hours 21-minutes over Lucia Jarquin and 4-hours 25-minutes over Maria Jose Corrales. TCC competition winner, Mirabela Ticu is 4th.

Tomorrow, stage 3, is 46km’s and includes the iconic Nauyaca waterfalls.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2025 – Stage 1

Posted on February 9, 2025 by talkultra

It was an 0330 departure from San Jose to arrive at Quepos at the start of stage 1 at 0800.

The heat and humidity was already high and a tough day, as always was expected. The iconic Del Rey beach a backdrop to the start and the Pacific Ocean splashing on to the beach.

The day, 33km’s with the opening km’s, all the way to cp1 and beyond, were flat and runnable. Always dangerous. Day 1 should be taken slow and steady, easing in to the week and the heat/ humidity. Boca Naranjito at 13.5km was the first cp, followed by Londres at 19.5km. Los Campenos at 30km was the 3rd cp to provide some refreshment before a tough final 3km. The finish at Rafiki Lodge.

Last years TCC champion Katie Young, started like a rocket running the opening 10km’s solo at the front.

Pierre Meslet and Erick Aguero finally caught her and took the lead two places, but Katie never stopped and ran all the way to the line with a convincing victory and 3rd overall.

Pierre and Erick were always expected to be the duo battling at the front but finally, around 16km’s the elastic snapped and Pierre broke away soloing to the line with a very strong lead ahead of the Costa Rican and local favourite.

Sergio had a tough day in the heat – Photo by Ian Corless

Full results will be available in due course HERE

With two races, Expedition and Adventure, the participants fought hard to tackle the terrain, which became increasingly difficult as the stage progressed. The final section the toughest with a challenging water crossing to conclude the day.

Both races were 33km, but the expedition had more vertical gain, 1115m in contrast to 894m.

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com