Tag Archives: pure vida

The Coastal Challenge #TCC2020 – Stage 2 40.2km

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The Coastal Challenge, Costa Rica’s number one multi-day race moved to stage 2 after the runners had a good nights sleep near the Savegre River in a purpose built campsite.

The heat of day 1 had taken its toll with runners retiring to sleep soon after dinner at 1900 hours. It was a hot night with little air and the 0330 wake up call came all too early for many. Breakfast at 0400 and then with the arrival of the sun, runners departed for 40.2km.

The early morning sun was magnificent and the Costa Rican landscape glowed as the rays illuminated the landscape.

The day started with almost a disaster with many of the top men, including all the top-4 contenders going off course with women leader, Kaytlyn Gerbin. They lost over 15-minutes and what followed was a hard chase into the long first climb of the day.

The men’s race came back together with race leader, Mauricio Mendez catching Erick Agüero who had initially gone wrong, realised his mistake early and turned back. Cody Lind and Andy Symonds chased with Scott Maguire running on his own further back.

For Kaytlyn, it was over 2-hours before she finally caught all the women, the 2nd placed woman on GC being Natalia López Arrieta.

With order resumed at the front, the race could continue as normal over a very tough course. Relentless fire road descents making the going hard both physically and mentally. Mendez finally made a move around CP3 and pulled away from Agüero while Lind and Symonds pursued together. They would stay this way all the way to the line. Maguire faded in the latter stages of the day as the heat and course took its toll, he finished 5th once again.

“I think I was a little too focussed and early on we went wrong… Crazy! We wasted at least 10-minutes. I was in a group and we all backtracked. It was 10km before I caught Erick with Scott. I was then running alone with Rick to CP3 and then I made a move. I was feeling good, my legs were tired and the heat did not seem as hot as day 1. I was really happy to get a 2nd stage victory, but I need to be smart for day 3, I know it will be tough, I have lots to learn!” – Mauricio Mendez

Once Gerbin had hold of the front of the race she extended the gap and her lead. She looked strong, focussed and relentless for the pursuit of the line and a stage 2 victory. Behind Arrieta once again ran strong for 2nd and Norway’s Abelone Lyng entered into a battle with TCC regular and past woman champion, Veronica Bravo. At the final two water crossings, Lyng lead Vero but the gap at best was only a minute. Lyng fought hard and finished 3rd ahead of Bravo’s 4th. Ashton Keck Keck who placed 3rd on tase 1 finished 6th in 5:32:21.

“Veronica caught me and she looked strong but on the final beach sections I pushed hard and caught her again,” said Lyng. “I wanted to be finished and Veronica was looking tired so I pushed hard. It was a tough race to finish a long day but I am happy with the result. I have been worried about the heat but my adaptation seems to have worked, it is very hot but I am feeling good, that makes me very happy.”

Ranking:

Men:

Mauricio Mendez 3:50:48 – Leader on GC

Erick Agüero 3:53:58

Andy Symonds/ Cody Lind 3:56:16

Women:

Kaytlyn Gerbin 4:33:17 – Leader on GC

Natalia López Arrieta 4:44:57

Abelone Lyng 5:12:20

Stage 3 of #TCC2020 will depart with sunrise once again, ahead 47.5km to Marino Ballena. The ‘Adventure’ category will run 12.7km starting from aid station 2.

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The Coastal Challenge 2020 #TCC2020 – Elite Line-Up Announced

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The 2020 ‘The Coastal Challenge’ is upon us! Six days, 230.5km of racing and 9543m of vertical gain, 9413m of vertical descent – TCC is more than a challenge!

Over the years, TCC has grown in stature with an ‘A’ list of elite runners from all over the world. The 2019 edition was won by Ida Nilsson with a record time and Pere Aurell for the men. The men’s CR is still held by the UK’s, Tom Evans.

 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.

Irrespective of pace or effort, the Costa Rican coastline never stops providing inspiration. This is so much more than a race, It’s 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

THE 2020 ELITE LINE UP

Brittany Peterson

Burst on the global scene in 2016 with a win at Moab Red Hot %%km, placed 3rd at Speedgoat 50km, 2nd at the Rut and then 4th at Transvulcania in 2018. A top-ranked Skyrunner, in 2019 Brittany moved to longer races and won the iconic Bandera 100km. However, all previous results were surpassed in June when she ran the race of her life to finish 2nd at Western States 100.

Kelly Wolf

Kelly won the 2018 Lavaredo Ultra Trail and in the process, elevated her profile to a whole new level in Europe. She has won at Tarawera, placed 3rd at Transvulcania, 4th at Ultra Trail Capetown and most recently has won Kendall Mountain Run and Deep Creek Trail Half Marathon. Combining speed, endurance and technical running ability, Kelly is going to be one to watch at the 2010 TCC.

Katlyn Gerbin

 Kaytlyn joins the line-up of the 2020 TCC with an extremely solid and consistent resume, known in Canada and the USA for a string of top performances, it was a podium place (2nd) at Transgrancanaria that introduced her to worldwide attention. Winner of the Pine to Palm 100 in 2016, Kaytlyn has mixed races distances for the last 3-years, excelling at 50km and 100km with victories at Gorge Waterfalls and Sun Mountain amongst others. In 2017 she won Cascade Crest 100 but her calling cards are 4th place and 2nd place at the 2017 and 2018 Western States.

***** 

Julien Chorier

Julien is a true ambassador of the sport with a resume that many a runner would love to have just a tenth of. Name any iconic race and Julien will have raced it and most likely place on or around the podium. Career highlights are 1st at Hardrock 100, 1st at UTMF, 2nd at Transgrancanaria, 3rd at UTMB, 1st at MIUT and 6th at Western States. He is no stranger to multi-day racing having raced at Marathon des Sables Morocco and also, MDS Peru. It’s an honor to have Julien at the 2020 TCC. 

Jordi Gamito

Jordi should have toed the line at the 2019 TCC but injury prevented his participation. In 2020, he is back! He is a winner of the tough and challenging Everest Trail Race and has placed 3rd at the 2018 UTMB. In 2014, a 4th place at UTMB showed his potential to the ultra-running world and this was followed with 6th at Raid Ka Reunion. 3rd at the Eiger Ultra and 4th at Transgrancanaria. He is a big smile; infectious personality and he will embrace the challenge of Costa Rica.

Cody Lind

 Cody has been racing for some years but may well have only come on your radar after 2017 with a very committed foray in the Skyrunning circuit – He placed 8th at Tromso in 2017 and then followed the SWS circuit racing on iconic courses throughout the world. Recently he raced them Rut in the USA and came away with victory. Cody manages to mix speed and technical ability, it’s a perfect mix for the trails in Costa Rica

Andy Symonds (tbc)

 Andy is one of the UK’s greatest mountain runners. He has traditions in fell running and has mixed Skyrunning and ultra-running throughout a long and successful career. He recently placed 5th at UTMB after 3 attempts. He has raced Marathon des Sables and placed in the top-10 but Andy will always be considered a mountain specialist. He has won Lavaredo, placed 3rd at Marathon Mont Blanc, 5th at Transgrancanaria and has represented his country at many World Championships. The technical and demanding trails of Costa Rica with plenty of climbing and descending provide Andy a perfect playground.

Mauricio Mendez

Mauricio is a rising star from Mexico who is currently an Xterra World Champion. He joins TCC as somewhat as a dark horse but no doubt he will be the hope of the locals. He started running because of his Father and in his own words, is a dreamer!

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

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 of 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 realize 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!

 The 2020 TCC starts in February as runners from all over the world will assemble in San Jose before transferring to the coast for stage 1 of the race starting on Saturday 8th. Year-on-year, the TCC has grown to be one of ‘the’ most iconic multi-day races. Once again, the elite line-up sets the bar, but the race is all about inclusion. Join the 2020 TCC and come experience Pura Vida!

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Episode 152 – Tom Evans, Marcus Scotney and John Storkamp

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Episode 152 of Talk Ultra is a packed show with two interviews from The Coastal Challenge, one with race winner and course record holder, Tom Evans the other with Marcus Scotney. Kurt Decker brings us an interview with John Storkamp and Speedgoat is here to tell us about his 39th 100-mile win!
*****
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*****
00:07:16 NEWS
TARAWERA
Dylan Bowman and Kelly Wolf took respective victories in 8:27 and 10:08. Cody Reed and Sam McCutcheon rounded out the male podium and Amanda Basham was 2nd ahead of Erika Lori.
Vajin Armstrong and Lucy Bartholomew won the 62km
LONE STAR 100
Speedgoat won again… his 4th! 23:38. Alyson Kirk won the ladies in 29:10
BLACK CANYON 100k
Tim Freriks is on a roll again with a win and Western States slot. Juan Maron and Kanoa King was 2nd and 3rd. Top 3 times 8:12, 8:53 and 9:10.
Alisa MacDonald took the ladies win and 2nd overall! in 8:53. Courtney Dauwalter was 2nd in 9:18 and Paige Pattillo 3rd in 10:09.
MOAB RED HOT 55k
Cat Bradley and Anthony Costales took victory in 4:54 and 3:37. Anthony’s time a new CR! Benjamin Stout and Kyle Pietari was 2nd and 3rd. For the ladies, it was Emily Hawgwood and Betsy Bies.
THE COASTAL CHALLENGE
Ragna Bebats obliterated the ladies race winning all stages and setting a new CR by almost a hour (previous record Anna Frost). Her collective time 26:14. Ester Alves, previous winner of TCC was 2nd and Suzanna Guadarrama was 3rd.
The men’s race was a doozy with Tom Evans winning all stages, setting a new CR but he was only 4-min ahead of Hayden Hawks – the duo battled throughout. Tom’s record is 44mins better than the 2017 Tome Owens record, the new mark 21:44. Michael Wardian finished 3rd.

Race Reports and Images

Day 1 HERE
Day 2 HERE
Day 3 HERE
Day 4 HERE
Day 5 HERE
Day 6 HERE
*****
00:26:15  Interview with MARCUS SCOTNEY
*****
01:06:14 Interview with TOM EVANS
*****
SUSITNA 100
David Johnston and Laura McDonough won in 23:39 and 28:39.
*****
01:43:18 Interview with HOHN STORKAMP
*****
UP & COMING RACES

Canada

Yukon

Likeys Ultra 6633 | 120.0 miles | March 09, 2018 | website
Likeys Ultra 6633 | 350.0 miles | March 09, 2018 | website

Cayman Islands

Off the Beaten Track | 50.0 kilometers | February 25, 2018 | website
Off the Beaten Track | 50.0 kilometers | February 25, 2018 | website

Costa Rica

Ultra Trail Irazu | 70.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Ultra Trail Irazu | 100.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

France

Dordogne

50 Kms de Lalinde | 50.0 kilometers | March 04, 2018 | website

Finistère

Ultra-thonnerieux | 115.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Gard

Ceven’ Trail | 62.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Ceven’ Trail | 100.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Ille-et-Vilaine

Endu’Rance Trail des Corsaires | 55.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Endu’Rance Trail des Corsaires | 107.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Puy-de-Dôme

Trail de Vulcain | 73.0 kilometers | March 04, 2018 | website

Saône-et-Loire

Trail des Trois Châteaux | 55.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Tarn

Black Mountain Trail | 55.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Germany

Bavaria

Chiemsee-Ultramarathon März | 108.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Hesse

Lahntallauf | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Hong-Kong

Translantau | 100.0 kilometers | March 02, 2018 | website
Translantau | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Italy

Tuscany

Terre di Siena Ultramarathon | 50.0 kilometers | February 25, 2018 | website
EcoTrail Florence | 93.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
EcoTrail Florence | 55.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
EcoTrail Florence | 80.0 kilometers | March 04, 2018 | website

Umbria

Strasimeno | 58.0 kilometers | March 04, 2018 | website

Nepal

Annapurna Sanctuary Fastpack | 100.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

New Zealand

Back Country Cuisine Alps 2 Ocean | 301.0 kilometers | February 23, 2018 | website
Old Ghost Ultra Marathon | 85.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
The Hillary Trail Race | 80.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Nicaragua

Survival Run Nicaragua | 80.0 kilometers | February 28, 2018 | website
Fuego y Agua Nicaragua | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Fuego y Agua Nicaragua | 103.1 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Philippines

Davao50 Ultramarathon | 50.0 kilometers | February 25, 2018 | website

Portugal

Trail Terras do Sicó | 111.0 kilometers | February 23, 2018 | website
Trail Terras do Sicó | 52.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

South Africa

Three Cranes Challenge | 106.0 kilometers | February 23, 2018 | website
South African Addo Elephant Trail Run | 100.0 miles | March 01, 2018 | website
South African Addo Elephant Trail Run | 44.0 miles | March 02, 2018 | website
South African Addo Elephant Trail Run | 76.0 kilometers | March 02, 2018 | website

Spain

Andalusia

Ultra Trail Sierras del Bandolero | 85.6 kilometers | March 02, 2018 | website
Ultra Trail Sierras del Bandolero | 166.0 kilometers | March 02, 2018 | website

Canary Islands

Transgrancanaria | 125.0 kilometers | February 23, 2018 | website

Region of Murcia

USA

Alabama

Mount Cheaha 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Delano Park | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Alaska

Iditarod Trail Invitational | 350.0 miles | February 25, 2018 | website
Iditarod Trail Invitational | 1000.0 miles | February 25, 2018 | website
Chena River to Ridge Endurance Race | 45.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Arizona

Ultra Adventures Antelope Canyon | 55.0 kilometers | February 23, 2018 | website
Ultra Adventures Antelope Canyon | 50.0 miles | February 23, 2018 | website
Old Pueblo 50 Miler | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
Old Pueblo 50 Miler | 75.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Arkansas

Run LOVit | 100.0 miles | February 23, 2018 | website
Run LOVit | 100.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

California

Orange Curtain | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Orange Curtain | 100.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Salmon Falls 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Sycamore 100k | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Sycamore 100k | 100.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Sycamore 100k | 100.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Griffith Park Trail Marathon | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Way Too Cool 50k | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Florida

Cross Florida Route 40 Romp | 116.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
Cross Florida Route 40 Romp | 116.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
The Dunes 100 | 100.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
The Dunes 100 | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
The Dunes 100 | 100.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Georgia

Flatlanders Canyon Crash Trail Run | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Kansas

Psycho Wyco Run Toto Run | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Maryland

Frozen Heart 50 km | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Frozen Heart 50 km | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Hashawha Hills 50 km Trail Run | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website
Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon & 50K | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Mississippi

Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail Runs | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail Runs | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

New Mexico

Sierra Vista Trail Runs | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

New York

Caumsett Park 50K Championship and GLIRC 25K Run | 50.0 kilometers | March 04, 2018 | website

North Carolina

Black Mountain Marathon | 40.0 miles | February 24, 2018 | website

Ohio

Olde Girdled Grit 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Oklahoma

Tulsa Running Club Post Oak Lodge Challenge | 50.0 kilometers | February 24, 2018 | website

Pennsylvania

Naked Bavarian 20M, 26.2 & 40M | 40.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

South Carolina

Conquer the Rock | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Texas

Cowtown Marathon | 50.0 kilometers | February 25, 2018 | website
Tinajas Ultras | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Tinajas Ultras | 100.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Reebok Ragnar Luckenbach | 200.0 miles | March 09, 2018 | website

Utah

Lake to Lake Team Relay & Ultra | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
Monument Valley Ultra | 50.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website
Monument Valley Ultra | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website
Red Mountain | 55.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

Vermont

PEAK Snowshoe race | 100.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Virginia

Reverse Ring | 71.0 miles | February 24, 2018 | website

Washington

Wallace Falls Trail Run | 50.0 kilometers | March 03, 2018 | website

United Kingdom

Bihar

Green Man Ultra | 45.0 miles | March 03, 2018 | website

Essex

St Peters Way Ultra | 45.0 miles | February 25, 2018 | website

Northumberland

Coastal Trail Series – Northumberland | 34.0 miles | February 24, 2018 | website
*****
02:17:50 CLOSE
02:25:06
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The Coastal Challenge 2018 #TCC2018 – Stage 6

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The 2018 The Coastal Challenge today came to an end on the stunning beaches of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula.

Tom Evans and Ragna Debats are the champions after a masterclass of multi-day running. The duo obliterated the 2017 records set by Tom Owens and Anna Frost. I think it’s fair to say, these records may be around for while!

The 22km final day is a stunning day, starting and finishing on Bahia Drake, the loop is like a mini Coastal Challenge all compressed into one stage. Waterfalls, rainforest, plantations, dusty fire trail, water crossings, beaches, coves and the stunning Pacific as a backdrop as the runners make the way to the finish.

Tom Evans wanted the course record and he ran today, once again with Hayden Hawks. The duo worked together, creeping in under the 2-hour mark and securing a place in history. Tom Evans as the champion and Hayden Hawks as the 2nd. Any other year and Hawks would be the champion, but as the American said, “Tom has been on fire and I have tried to push but really, I have been holding on!’

Previous TCC winner and course record holder Michael Wardian finished 3rd overall and then the battle for first Costa Rican was on – Erick Aguero dominated the day.

For the ladies’ it was a neutral day with the top-3 ladies running together for much of the stage. Finally, Ragna Debats finished hand-in-hand and third places Suzanna G finished 3rd.

The line was full of emotion as an epic journey has come to an end. The 2018 TCC will go down in history as the fastest ever.

2019 will see the 15th edition of the race and I believe we can expect something special!

For now though, it’s all about Evans and Debats celebrating victory. This evening, the awards will take place on the beach with a roaring camp fire.

What else would you expect?

PURA VIDA

 

  1. Tom Evans 1:59:54
  2. Hayden Hawks 1:59:55
  3. Erick Aguero 2:00:26
  4. Neruda Cespedes 2:09:09
  5. Michael Wardian 2:10:48

 

  1. Ragna Debats 2:27:57
  2. Ester Alves 2:27:58
  3. Suzanna Guadarrama 2:34:38
  4. Shannon Colley 3:08:39
  5. Kerri Treheme 3:09:35

 

OVERALL GC

 

  1. Tom Evans 21:44:11 new CR
  2. Hayden Hawks 21:48:36
  3. Michael Wardian 25:17:42
  4. Erick Aguero 25:36:15
  5. Neruda Cespedes 25:39:00

 

  1. Ragna Debats 26:14:39 new CR
  2. Ester Alves 29:59:42
  3. Suzanna Guadarrama 30:41:30
  4. Mirta Reaple 35:08:36
  5. Josephine Adams 36:07:38

 

Full results at www.webscorer.com

Follow the action as the race unfolds #TCC2018

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 #TCC2018 – Stage 4

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Day 4 from Coronado to Palma Sur 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 over 600m at 25km and then climbing again to 900m at 30km. From here, the runners drop like stones, all the way to the finish line in Palma Sur with 37.1km covered.

You guessed it, once again Tom Evans and Hayden Hawks dictated the pace at the front, running side-by-side they matched each other’s pace all day. However, it wasn’t all chatty. Hawks confirmed at one stage in the stage they were separated by over a minute but it all came back together. “Tom is just too strong,’ Hawks conformed. ‘I am trying hard, but he can match me, in all honesty, I am working hard to keep up.’

Evans is running a smart race, he is doing just what he needs to do to maintain his lead and should Hawks attack, he matches it.

The duo finished in 3:56, a ridiculous time for the 37km and once again, it was a new stage record.

The ladies’ race has a very similar format to the men’s with Ragna Debats blazing a trail at the front of the race on her own. She is so strong that no other lady can come near and to be honest, not many of the men either! She did have a little trouble today going off course in a riverbed section which frustrated her. However, she got back on track and once again won the stage with a clear margin.

As the days have passed, Timothy Olson has got stronger and stronger. Today he was pushing hard throughout keeping a close eye on Hawks and Evans. He has openly admitted he can’t maintain the pace they are running but he will try anyway. It was all looking good and then in the final 8km he took a bad fall and heavily sprained his ankle. He is out of the race unfortunately!

Marcus Scotney had a good day, pulling back time from his errors on day 3 and today he finished 3rd on the stage a great moral boost 21 minutes behind the dynamic duo.

Suzanna Guadarrama today found her true form and ran the stage with 2016 TCC champion, Ester Alves. The duo pushed together all day and finished in Palma Sur 2nd and 3rd. This result will almost certainly impact on the general classification with Mirta Reaple not having a good day. Josephine Adams had a good day placing 5th.

Tomorrow’s stage is 49km from Sierpe to Drake Bay (it is the longest stage of the race)

  1. Tom Evans 3:56:41
  2. Hayden Hawks 3:56:41
  3. Marcus Scotney 4:17:49
  4. Jorge Paniagua 4:38:01
  5. Erick Aguero 4:38:51
  6. Ragna Debats 4:52:05
  7. Suzanna Guadarrama 5:33:22
  8. Ester Alves 5:33:24
  9. Mirta Reaple 6:42:12
  10. Josephine Adams 6:47:27

Full results at www.webscorer.com

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 #TCC2018 – Stage 3

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Day 3 of the 2018 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 relentless beach – all intensified by Costa Rican heat and humidity.

The early trails leaving Dominical Beach take the runners into 10km’s of technical river bed. It’s all rock hopping and slip sliding away on the wet and greasy surface.

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 climb up a winding trail. From here on in, the terrain varies from rainforest, dusty access roads and technical Trail before the beach arrives with approximately 10km to go.

Now, the heat is intense, and the runners are sandwich pressed between sand and sky.

A small technical forest section leads to the highway and then the final km’s are passed on the side of the road before turning down an access road to the beach. It’s a brutal day.

It may come as no surprise that Ragna Debats dictated the day and the pace in the ladies’ race. it’s fair to say, that Debats has lifted this race to a whole new level, her times surpass all that has gone before. So much so, she is lying 6th overall. Today she pushed and pushed and placed 6th on the stage and 1-hour 10-minutes ahead of 2016 TCC champion, Ester Alves. She is putting on a masterclass!

Ester Aves as usual ran a solid race finishing in 6:45 with Mirta Reaple 3rd in 7:06 closely followed by Suzanna Guadarrama in 7:12. The final positions for 2nd and 3rd could prove to be exciting with two tough days to come.

For the men, Neruda Cespedes was the first to the waterfall closely followed by Tom Evans and Hayden Hawks. By the time cp2 arrived, it was all change with Hawks, Evans joined by Timothy Olson and Marcus Scotney. They pushed through the downhill trails to the beach and Evans and Hawks pulled away from Olson and Scotney.

Olson then made a break in pursuit of the duo leaving Scotney alone n 4th place. Disaster struck whom Scotney missed a turn, losing time, he opens up the doorway for Jorge Paniagua, Erick Aguero, Neruda Cespedes and Ashur Youssefi to go ahead of him. It was a huge mistake and he would finally finish 9th on the stage in 5:43.

Evans and Hawks continued to mark each other at the front and despite several attempts to push ahead of each other, the duo finished in 4:54. Olson finished 3rd in 5:02 and Jorge Paniagua flew the Costa Rican flag in 4th!

Tomorrow’s stage is 37km from Coronado to Palmar Sur

 

  1. Tom Evans 4:54:52
  2. Hayden Hawks 4:54:52
  3. Timothy Olson 5:02:04
  4. Jorge Paniagua 5:26:25
  5. Erick Aguero 5:33:36

 

  1. Ragna Debats 5:34:20
  2. Ester Alves 6:45:13
  3. Mirta Reaple 7:06:58
  4. Suzanna Guadarrama 7:12:38
  5. Gabriela Molina 8:17:43

 

Full results at www.webscorer.com

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 #TCC2018 – Stage 2

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It was a 0400 wakeup 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 2-3 hours before the heat starts to take its toll.

Today’s stage was a tough 39km kicked off with a climb. Tom Evans, Hayden Hawks and Timothy Olson dictated the pace for the men, matching each other stride-for-stride. At the summit they could be heard talking actively, so, it’s fair to say they were easing into the day! For the ladies, Ragna Debats stamped her mark on the race by pushing immediately and opening a huge lead over the chasers.

The course rolled up and down with a series of hard, stony and dusty access roads that connected sections of rainforest. At 16km another high point was reached, just over 700m and then it was all pretty much downhill before reading the beaches of Dominical and a flat but hot run to the finish.

Debats was in a league of her own today, she pushed and pushed eventually crossing the line in 4:24:25. To put this in perspective, 2016 TCC winner Ester Alves, finished 2nd lady in 5:15:58, 3rd lady was Suzanna Guadarrama and Mirta Reaple and Josephine Adams were 4th and 5th.

Hawks and Evans pushed the pace for the men, finally pulling away from Olson. The duo ran side-by-side and although they tested each other, the duo crossed the line together in 3:41:52. Olson had a good day, relishing the more technical and hilly terrain to finish 3rd in 3:48:17 with Marcus Scotney and Michael Wardian placing 4th and 5th.

Tomorrow’s stage and 47.4km is a tough one that runs from Dominical Beach to Bahia Ballena.

Stage Results:

  1. Tom Evans 3:41:52
  2. Hayden Hawks 3:41:56
  3. Timothy Olson 3:48:17
  4. Marcus Scotney 4:00:28
  5. Michael Wardian 4:21:41

 

  1. Ragna Debats 4:24:25 (6th on stage)
  2. Ester Alves 5:15:58
  3. Suzanna Guadarrama 5:30:26
  4. Mirta Reaple 5:42:18
  5. Josephine Adams 6:01:35

 

Full stage results HERE

Overall classification HERE

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 #TCC2018 – Registration

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The 2018 The Coastal Challenge finally got underway today in San Jose, Costa Rica, as over 100 runners from all over the world came to packet pick up and registration for the 14th edition of the race.

As always, it was a mixture of nerves and excitement. The journey ahead, a stunning 6-days running along the coast of Costa Rica from Quepos to the iconic Drake Bay. Flanked on the right by the Pacific and to the left, the amazing Talamanca mountain range. 

The 2018 edition of the race has all the makings of a classic. The men’s field is arguably the best ever with Michael Wardian, Hayden Hawks, Tom Evans, Marcus Scotney and Timothy Olson.

Michael Wardian, TCC champion and previous course record holder.

Hayden Hawks 2017 CCC champion.

Tom Evans 3rd at MDS Morocco 2017 and 4th at CCC and the Eiger Ultra Trail.

Marcus Scotney winner of the Dragons Back Race and Cape Wrath Ultra.

The ladies’ race is equally impressive with past winner Ester Alves returning joined by Ragna Debats, Inge Nijkamp and Josephine Adams.

Ester Alves 2016 The Coastal Challenge champion.

Ragna Debats Skyrunner World Series champion 2017.

Inge Nijkamp 11th at MDS Morocco 2017.

Josephine Adams 6th at MDS Peru 2017.

Full preview HERE

Tomorrow, Sunday 11th, runners depart for San Jose at 0400 for the 4-hour journey to the coast.

It’s a tough day as the race will start at 0900, the sun will already be high in the sky and the heat intense. It’s a day when patience can prevail.

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 Race Preview #TCC2018

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The 2018 ‘The Coastal Challenge’ is upon us! Six days, 230.5km of racing and 9543m of vertical gain, 9413m of vertical descent – TCC is more than a challenge!

Follow #TCC2018

Over the years, TCC has grown in stature with an ‘A’ list of elite runners from all over the world. The 2017 edition was won by Salomon International Athletes – Anna Frost and Tom Owens. For 2018, the race steps up a notch with arguably the greatest ever male field assembled for a multi-stage race.

The 2018 edition lists a who’s who of elite runners.

Michael Wardian, a past winner and yours record holder returns. The unstoppable Chema Martinez from Spain returns once again looking for that top spot. Rising GB star, Tom Evans heads for his first rainforest experience after planing 3rd at MDS in 2017. Add to this, the legendary and iconic Timothy Olson, Drgagons Back and Cape Wrath winner, Marcus Scotney and the USA’s rising star and fast-man, Hayden Hawks – needless to say, the rainforest of the Talamancas may be ablaze after these guys have forged a path through its stunning trails.

For the ladies’ Ester Alves returns, a past champion, Ester has just placed 2nd at the Everest Trail Race in Nepal. She will be joined by the Dutch mountain goat and fast lady, Ragna Debats. Our top three female contenders should have been rounded out by Elisabet Barnes but unfortunately, illness has taken its toll and she will not make the start in Quepos.

“Due to several occurrences of cold and flu in the last few months I have had to reevaluate my upcoming race schedule. I have raced nine demanding multi-stage races in the last two years and my body is telling me to back off a bit. I plan to come back stronger and one thing is guaranteed, I will be back at TCC2019 – It is a race I love!”

– Elisabet Barnes

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

Stats:

Total 230.5km

Vertical 9543m

Descent 9413m

Description

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 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, 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.

THE ROUTE

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 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 runners wake and 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

It is basically 25km of climbing topping out at 800m followed by a drop to the 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. Pura Vida.

Stage 4

It’s another tough start to the day with a relentless climb, but once at 900m the route is a rollercoaster of relentless small climbs and descents, often littered with technical sections, rainforest, river crossings and boulders. At 30km, it’s a short drop to the road 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!

THE RUNNERS – MALE

 

Michael Wardian has won the race and set a course record. He knows the lay of the land and if anyone knows how to race hard, day-after-day, it is Mike. You can never bet against him and he always comes ‘to race!’ There is no sandbagging, no pretenses, just a full-on let’s race and let the best man win!

Hayden Hawks burst on the scene in recent years blazing a trail of fast running. He is one of the new breed of trail runner who is moving from the road/ track to the trails. That natural speed is making trail racing faster and faster. Hayden won CCC in 2017 – a huge win. He loves to train with big weeks and TCC will feel like a ‘training week’ but just a whole lot faster… he is a favourite for the win! 

Timothy Olson needs no introduction. This man blasted Western States to a whole new level and was the man to beat at any race. A tough 2016 started to overturn in 2017 with a slow but calculated return to form. One of the nicest guys out there, Timothy will bring his love for all things to TCC and will inspire with his feet and his heart. On his day, this guy could rip the legs off the competition.

Tom Evans burst on the scene in 2017 placing 3rd at Marathon des Sables. He played the Moroccans at their own game and had them worried. Interestingly, Michael Wardian also placed 3rd some years ago… Tom placed 4th at the Eiger Ultra and CCC and recently has earned a slot on the GB Squad for the World Trail Championships in May. He is fast and can run technical trails, he has the multi-day format nailed – it is going to be awesome!

Marcus Scotney has represented GB and has won ‘The Challenger’ at the UK’s Spine race, won the Cape Wrath Ultra and most recently, The Dragons Back Race – both of which are gnarly UK multi-stage races. Marcus has all the skills for a great race at TCC, the biggest question may well come with heat adaptation from a cold UK?

Finally, Chema Martinez is slowly but surely become Mr. TCC. He has raced many times and played 2nd year-on-year. Will 2018 be the year when he tips the scales in his favour? Who knows, one thing is for sure, he will race hard every day.

THE RUNNERS – FEMALE

Ester Alves has won the race before and last year placed 3rd. Recently, she placed 2nd at the Everest Trail Race in Nepal. Ester brings experience and excellent mountain/ technical running to TCC and as such, will always be a favourite for the win.

Ragna Debats in recent years has been a revelation mixing fast running (IAU World Trail Champs) with Skyrunning. On paper, Ragna is a hot favourite for victory in Costa Rica. The combination of speed and technical ability may well give her a supreme edge over the competition.

Inge Nijkamp placed 11th at Marathon des Sables and although she won’t appreciate me highlighting her name here, she will be one to watch. Her form, in her own words, “Is not what it should be,’ but, she has the ability and skill to certainly edge onto the podium should all go well.

Of course, we can not rule out the local talent who, over the years, has made the race exhilarating and exciting. We will update this report with a review of both the male and female talent once the race list has been confirmed.

Registration takes place on February 10th

Racing starts on the 11th

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