What a day! Stage 3 of the 2025 The Coastal Challenge will go down in history… Local legend, Erick Aguero pulled back a 16-minute deficit after stages 1 and 2 and now leads the race after an epic winning margin of 23-minutes.
This is Nauyaca with Pitufollow – Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 3 with more technical trail, played into the hands of Erick and at the Nauyaca Waterfall he already had a lead of 5-minutes. This lead increased from cp too cp, Erick was on a mission. By the final beach section, has lead was +/- 23-minutes. He held on to the line to take a stunning stage win and overall lead.
Pierre chasing hard – Photo by Ian Corless
Pierre Meslet was running strong all day and post-race he confirmed he felt good and was running strong. He gave kudos to Erick on a stunning stage and he also confirmed, “If Erick wants to win, he has a fight on his hands!”
Katie – Photo by Ian Corless
For the women, Katie Young was once again untouchable. She was running strong and what looked like without effort all day. Post the finish line, she confirmed she was 30-minutes quicker than last year, she is unbeatable.
Lucia – Photo by Ian Corless
Lucia Jarquin was once again 2nd on the stage and now, after 3-stages is 6-hours and 24-minutes behind Katie.
Pura Vida – Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 4, tomorrow, moves away from the ocean and into the more mountainous and technical trail that Erick loves. It’s going to be an exciting day.
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
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.
Photo by Ian Corless
Last years TCC champion Katie Young, started like a rocket running the opening 10km’s solo at the front.
Photo by Ian CorlessKatie – Photo by Ian Corless
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 – Photo by Ian Corless
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
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.
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 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.
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
Runner’s have arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica ahead of the 2023 edition which starts on Sunday February 5th.
Admin day, pre-race protocols and race briefing will soon be completed and then an early morning journey to Quepos and the start line of stage 1 awaits.
For 2023, the runner’s in both Expedition and Adventure categories will experience some new route changes and distances. Notably, the expedition category, on paper, appears to be a tougher race.
Stage 1 is always brutal as for many, the heat and humidity really takes a hold and exhausts the un-prepared body. In the past, this stage has hovered around the 30km mark, for 2023 it will be 41km with 1071m+ for the Expedition category.
Stage 2 40km and 1828m+
Stage 3 49km and 1884m+
Stage 4 35.5km and 2434m+
Stage 5 40.6km and 1670m+
and the final stage 6 35.7km and 875m+
This makes a total 0f 241.8km and 9762m+.
For the shorter Adventure race, unlike in past editions, stage 1 will be shorter than the expedition at 32km.
Stage 2 17km
Stage 3 16.5km
Stage 4 12.5km
Stage 5 22.3km
Stage 6 35.7km
The Adventure race totals 136km with 4032m+.
With an International line-up, all eyes will be on the front of the race with a stellar male and female line-up.
Mathieu Blanchard, Didrik Hermansen, Sebastian Krogvig, Dani Jung and Peter van der Zon will go head-to-head for the TCC crown. Sadly, local ever-present and multi podium finisher of the TCC, Erick Aguero will not start due to injuries sustained in a fall.
UTMB one and two, Katie Schide and Marianne Hogan will once again do battle along with Tomomi Bitoh from Japan.
Departing from San Jose around 0330am, the journey to the coast will be undertaken in darkness. The hope is that runner’s can start the stage as early as possible, therefore taking advantage of cooler temperatures before the heat of the day arrives.
The TCC is the ultimate Costa Rican multi-day adventure. The route hugs the coastline of the tropical Pacific, weaving in and out of the Talamancas; a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of this Central American country. The terrain is ever-changing and challenges each participant, from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails. Add river crossings, boulder hopping, swimming through rivers, passing under waterfalls, and long and relentless beaches, TCC is a unique experience. Finally, the finish will come in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site with a stunning final loop around Drake Bay. After an evening relaxing, the runner’s will depart for their journeys back to San Jose via speedboat to Sierpe and then a follow on coach trip.
“TCC has always grabbed my attention, February is early in the year, so, there are not many races. For me, it will be a challenge, I’m usually home skiing in Norwegian winter and in 2023 I will be in an exotic race in the Jungle – it’s exciting! The landscapes and nature looks spectacular! The trails look challenging and fun, a perfect mix of racing and adventure.” – Sebastian Krogvig
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.
IAN CORLESS 