The surf beach of Dominical really provided a real Costa Rican feel for TCC yesterday, particularly the magical sunset that concluded the day.
Stage 3, from experience, is considered the hardest stage. The opening km’s through rocky riverbeds bring a technical and slow start to the day.
Calvo López at Nauyaca
The crossing of the iconic Nauyaca waterfall and steep climb out soon make the runner’s aware that as beautiful as this day may be, it is also brutal.
Finally climbing to the high point of the day, slowly but surely the race descends back to the coast with relentless long beach sections, no shade and the heat of the day to punish each and every runner.
Jean-Francois
The day started slower than previous years with the top male runners lead by Calvo López and closely followed by Jean-Francois Cauchon and Cody Lind taking 30-minutes slower than anticipated. Apparently, the opening riverbed was very slippery. Cristofer Clemente Mora arrived and then gaps really opened.
Katie Young
For the women, this opening stretch was ideal for Lina El Kott Helander to take back time, however, a fall on stage 2 has left the Swedish runner with either a badly sprained right arm or fracture. In true fighting spirit she ran the stage, however, using the right arm to scramble greatly inhibited her pace early on. Katie Young however, was first to arrive and looked to be in her element. Sanna El Kott Helander followed.
Sanna El Kott Helander
At 46km’s, the day was being respected and it was in the final stretches of beach that Jean-Francois pulled away from Cody. The gap wasn’t huge, but it was certainly a day for Jean-Francois to take some glory. In 3rd, the ever-present Carlos running a consistently strong race but Cristofer closed hard and snatched the 3rd place away from the Costa Rican.
Jean-Francois
Katie Young was in her element on the beach and her smile and pace reflected that. She was unstoppable. Coming to TCC after a very successful top-10 at MDS in 2023, Katie was a favourite for the podium. However, this run, so far, is beyond her wildest expectations.
In 2nd, Marline Côté got a chance to shine with Sanna following. However, Lina, once allowed to run with the right arm not causing too much of a hinderance, started to close considerably in the closing stages. It was an exciting end to a tough day and she caught her twin sister to take 3rd.
Runner’s got there first night in camp last night. Tired bodies looking to recover and prepare for stage 2 of the 2024 The Coastal Challenge, a 230km, 6-stage journey from Quepos to Drake Bay. Ambiance and atmosphere was high. Stage 1 had certainly taken a toll and surprised many. The combination of route, heat and humidity a wake up call. The impact of day 1 saw 18 participants move from the Expedition race to the shorter Adventure category; a huge number!
But today, starting almost 3-hours early makes a huge difference. The almost vertical climb straight out of camp allows for cooler temperatures and an ability to ease in the day.
A rollercoaster of gravel roads followed by rainforest and more gravel roads lead the race to the coast and finally the ocean.
Now the heat of the day takes hold as the the participants navigate a route to the Dominical finish via long stretches of beach.
Jean-Francois leading the top men.
There was a very different mood to the start of stage 2. Summed up in one word, respect. The top men ran together lead by Jean-Francois Cauchon. This lead group did not include Cristofer Clemente Mora who ran a short distance behind with Erick Aguerro behind.
Cristofer and Erick
Pierre Meslet made a 3rd group running Lina El Kott Helander.
Pierre and Lina.
Lina El Kott Helander pushed the pace for the women, this came as no surprise with a steep climb to start the day. The skyrunner no doubt in her element. Behind Katie Young followed with a parmanent smile.
Katie
Sanna El Kott Helander, just like her twin sister, enjoyed the early vert to run in 3rd.
Sanna
As the runner’s headed to the coast, the race opened up and Cody Lind and Carlos Calvo López were the first to arrive at the estuary leading to the final 5km’s and a long beach section. Cody now in familiar territory from his 2020 victory no doubt relishing the final km’s pushed to take the stage and overall lead with 3:59:13 on the clock.
CodyCarlos
Carlos was expected to finish 3rd but Jean-Francois pushed and not only caught but passed the Costa Rican, 4:00:15 and 4:01:53. Cristofer finished some way back and lost his overall lead by almost 10-minutes and is now in second. We have a race on!
Jean-Francois
Lina continued her strong running all the way to the estuary, she had now opened up a 6-minute lead. Katie arrived looking fresh and full of enthusiasm, with flat running all the way to the line, Katie pushed and closed the gap to under 2-minutes at the line, 5:06:08 and 5:07:58.
Lina
Sanna continued to pull away from Lindsey Ullrich and ran a strong 3rd place in 5:29:05. A very positive run after a troubled ay 1.
Stage 2 was not without drama, Lina took a bad fall and had concerns for a badly damaged arm. More news to follow. Pierre also had troubles with a very badly twisted ankle that saw him require a stick in the early stages.
Tomorrow, stage 3 to Marino Ballena is 46km with 1686m. It’s the toughest stage of the race.
The Coastal Challenge 2024 is upon us. An event 20-years in the making, this will be a special year! A gruelling multi-stage race, participants will cover 240km’s with 10,000m+ of vertical over 6-stages. The ‘Adventure Run’ covers 145km’s.
An adventure for all, TCC is the ultimate experience and an incredible way to explore Costa Rica. Starting in Quepos, the journey follows the Pacific Coast backed by the Talamanca mountains as participants weave in and out of rainforest, navigate gravel roads, endure long stretches of beach with no shade and of course, climb, descend and scramble rocks, riverbeds and waterfalls. The journey concludes in the Unesco Heritage Site of Drake Bay, a truly remarkable location even for the well travelled.
What can the runners expect?
Stage 1
Runners depart San Jose early morning (around 0500) for a 3-hour drive to Playa Del Rey, Quepos. Arguably the toughest day of the race, not because of the terrain or distance, but because of the start time! It’s a day for caution! The 34.6km is very runnable with little vertical and technicality, it welcomes the runners to Costa Rica.
Stage 2
An early breakfast, around 0400, the race starts with the arrival of the sun! The only way is up from the start with a tough and challenging climb. It’s a tough day with an abundance of climbing and descending and a final tough flat stretch on the beach, just as the heat takes hold.
Stage 3
Tough with 25km of climbing topping out at 800m followed by a drop to sea and a final kick in the tail before the arrival at camp. For many, this is a key day and maybe one of the most spectacular.
Stage 4
A tough and steep climb to start, but once at 900m the route is a roller coaster of relentless small climbs and descents, often littered with technical sections, rain forest, river crossings and boulders. At 30km, it’s a short drop to the line and the finish at 37.1km.
Stage 5
The long day but what a beauty! Tweaked a couple of years ago and now has become iconic with tough trails, plenty of climbing, sandy beaches and yes, even a boat trip. The finish just before Drake Bay offers a calm relaxation with a stunning backdrop and amazing sunset.
Stage 6
The victory lap! For many, this stage is the most beautiful and memorable. It is now a longer day due to the start and finish not being in Drake Bay. However, the experience is not diminished. The loop manages to contain a little of all that has gone before.
“TCC is a unique race and one that we are passionate about. We celebrate 20-years in 2024 and that alone is an incredible achievement and one that we are proud of. The race travels via dense forest trails, river crossings, waterfalls, long stretches of golden beaches backed by palm trees, dusty access roads, high ridges and open expansive plains, we created this race to show of Costa Rica and this beautiful coastline.”
TCC is proud of the elite line-up that has experienced this magical multi-day journey.
Here is the past 10-years winners:
2023: Didrik Hermansen – Katie Schide
2022: Hayden Hawks – Giuditta Turini
2021: Timothy Olson – Felicitas Charpin
2020: Cody Lind – Kaytlyn Gerbin
2019: Pere Aurell Bove – Ida Nilsson*
2018: Tom Evans* – Ragna Debats
2017: Tom Owens – Anna Frost
2016: Iain Don-Wauchope – Ester Alvez
2015: Iain Don-Wauchope – Veronica Bravo
2014: Michael Wardian – Jo Meek
2013: Dave James – Gemma Slaughter
Course records: Tom Evans 21:44:12 and Ida Nilsson 23:36:04
Ones to watch in 2024
2020 champion, Cody Lind returns to celebrate 20-years of TCC. With past experience, he know what to expect from Costa Rica. His ability as skyrunner work well on the demanding and technical trails, in addition, his speed for pure running grounded at Western States (2021, 2022 and 2023) transfers well to the gravel roads and beaches that this route brings.
Cristofer Clemente, an experienced skyrunner and trail runner, he won the 2016 Syrunner World Series for the ultra distance and in 2017 he took a silver medal at the IAU Trail World Champs. He has recently won Tenerife Blue Trail, Ultramaraton Guatemala and Puerta Vallarta Mexico by UTMB. He is without doubt a hot contender for overall victory.
Pierre Meslet placed 6th and 9th at Marathon des Sables, so, is no stranger to multi-day running. TCC will provide a different challenge, while the racing is still over 6-days, this time there is no self-sufficiency, no carrying a pack, just intense heat and humidity.
From Costa Rica, we have Erick Aguero and Carlos Calvo. Erick is arguably one of the most experienced TCC competitors with countless participations and podium places.
Lina and Sanna El Kott Helander (the El Kott twins) are grounded in adventure racing, skyrunning and mountain running. They are an adventure duo that push boundaries. In 2023, they both undertook the PTL; a 300km journey during the UTMB week. The duo are perfectly matched for Costa Rica and the terrain and challenges on offer.
Ester Alves won TCC in 2016 and return this year with a contingent of runners from Portugal. I am sure Ester will say that she is in Costa Rica for the journey and experience in 2024. However, Experience, skill and ability is never lost.
Katie Young will be an unknown name to many, however, in 2023 she was my hot tip for Marathon des Sables and she proved me correct placing 6th. TCC will be a new experience for Katie but watch this space…
Lindsey McElroy Ulrich from the USA joins the TCC party with a long list of ultra results that date back to 2014 on Ultrasignup. In 2022, Lindsey tackled the Marathon des Sables, so, she comes to Costa Rica with multi-day experience. No stranger to long distance, she was also 20th at UTMB.
In addition to the above, we have a wealth of Costa Rican talent who will toe the line
Schedule:
February: Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th, 2024
Official registration & poolside reception for competitors in San José: February, Saturday 10th
Race start: February, Sunday 11th
Race finish: February, Friday 16th
Race length: 6 days
Distance: Expedition Run 240km | Adventure Run 145km
In many respects, the 2023 race concluded in regards to general classification after stage 5 when Didrik Hermansen opened up a 20-minute gap over race leader, Mathieu Blanchard.
For the women, the same applied, Katie Schide ran conservatively enjoying the day. Tomomi Bitoh ran in 2nd place and Paolo Herrera took it easy finishing in 3rd with a 2nd place on GC confirmed.
Stage 6 is a highlight of TCC with a loop that manages to encapsulate a little of everything that has gone before in the previous five stages. Gravel roads, river running, waterfall crossings, water crossing, beaches, rocks, coasteering and of course, heat and humidity.
Now it’s time to relax, hang up the run shoes and enjoy some down time. Next year is the 20th edition of TCC, already the plans are being made for a special edition.
Crossing the Sierpe river at dawn with a new sun welcoming the day, stage 5 of TCC is always a key day due to large amounts of gravel road, a technical and steep descent, the iconic estuary crossing and the heat and humidity that punishes the runner’s when they leave the shade.
Of course, all the talk was about Mathieu Blanchard and Didrik Hermansen, we and they knew it was going to be a key day. The writing was on the wall when Didrik offered Mathieu his hand before the start, it was a clear statement of let the best man win.
In the early stages the duo were matched but it didn’t take long before Mathieu dropped back on one of the early climbs. As the race progressed, this gap opened and at first it was difficult to ascertain if this was a tactic by Mathieu?
It was over 20-minutes later when Mathieu arrived. It’s fair to say, the 2023 TCC was decided today. Didrik’s effort, pace and consistency has been text book stage racing.
“After yesterday, I would not have been happy with 2nd. So the plan was to push the pace. Mathieu was having a bad day and he let me go early. I pushed and kept it steady. I opened a gap and more, and more minutes. It was motivating. I had considered taking it easy and saving something for stage 6, but, if Mathieu was having a bad day, I decided to push and get more time. It’s not over, we still have a day to go.” – Didrik Hermansen
“Yes a tough day. But last night I had already decided to go easier. Yesterday I witnessed Didrik push the downhill at an incredible pace. I little bit mad maybe? But for me, it’s February, I have a long season and I can’t risk it all here in Costa Rica. Today we had another downhill like yesterday, he took many minutes again and it’s just not possible for me to get that time back when he runs so well. I came here for an adventure and fun, I didn’t expect these first 4-days and such a pace. I am very happy.” – Mathieu Blanchard
For the women, Katie Schide had a controlled and relaxed day. Her lead is far in advance of 2nd and 3rd and still she was able to take another stage win.
Behind, Tomomi Bitoh started strong leading Paolo Herrera. But as the day passed they switched places and although close together at the end, it was another solid 2nd for Paolo.
Tomorrow, the final stage at 35.7km and with 875m+ is to all intents and purposes a victory loop, if you can call running 35.7km a victory loop. With GC places decided, I don’t anticipate a charge from Mathieu, so, let’s expect a Pura Vida loop of enjoyment.
Stage 4 of The Coastal Challenge and today, the runner’s move away from the coast and climb high on the relentlessly rolling terrain that is backed by the Talamanca range.
Today, was an anticipated key stage for Mathieu Blanchard and Didrik Hermansen, the duo have been closely matched each day and despite Didrik’s best efforts, Mathieu has come 1st each day.
The duo today once again went head-to-head, it’s stunning to watch and also exhausting. The pace is unbelievable and between them it’s impossible to tell who is the most tired.
At each point along the route they were never more than meters apart but for those watching, and knowing the course, the crux would come at the end of the day with a very steep and technical descent to the line.
Didrik threw caution to the wind and attacked. The gap opened and opened and he crossed the line in 4:39:23.
The clock ticked, 1-minute, 2-minutes and Mathieu crossed in 4:42:23, exactly a 3-minute gap. Wow! Seriously exciting racing and then the calculations, had Mathieu held the overall on GC?
Yes, 16:48:32 for Mathieu and 16:49:16 for Didrik. Before stage 4, the 19th edition of the TCC was witnessing an epic race, now stages 5 and 6 are going to be epic. Who’s your money on?
Dani Jung once again placed 3rd looking relaxed despite a sleepless night. He had questioned wether to start, gladly he did.
“I had to do something, I felt during the days I was better than him on the downhill and I was willing to take the risk, I couldn’t believe I would take 3-minutes… It’s a real fun battle, we are neck-and-neck, we are so similar in strength. It’s fun, it’s cool. Nice to finally take a stage. I feel as though I could have pushed harder. I wanted to win and obviously reduce the gap. I am prepared to fight and compete, if I come 2nd so be it, but I will fight!” – Didrik Hermansen
By contrast, Mathieu looked relaxed post-race and he was candid with his thoughts.
“Didrik went down the last decent like a mad man. It was steep, technical with many potential problems. I have a long season ahead and I wasn’t prepared to risk everything here. I feel good, so, let’s see what happens.”
For the women, Katie Schide was a long way clear of any other competition and looked relaxed on the trail. Victory in the 2023 The Coastal Challenge is hers to lose, so, she just needs to run smart over the next two days.
Fire roads, steep climbs, brutal descents and eventually a beach section arrives before several water crossings and then a very demanding road section leading to camp 3.
It may come as no surprise that Mathieu Blanchard and Didrik Hermansen dominated the day. The duo battled it out foot-for-foot in an impressive display of tenacity, grit and endurance.
For the women, Katie Schide set the pace early on and by the waterfall she already had a huge lead. When Marianne Hogan finally arrived, all was not well, she was suffering… Marianne would eventually drop at CP2 with a sprained ankle.
Katie once again clinched victory with a huge margin, she just needs to now run smart for the remaining three days. Paolo is on a strong 2nd and Tomomi a secure 3rd. However, we are only halfway through TCC and the first three stages have only confirmed one thing, anything can happen!
It was a 0330am wake-up in camp this morning with race start at 0530am. It may sound early, but trust me, the earlier hours pay dividends for everyone. Body clocks are now reset, bed between 1900-1800, wake-up 0330.
Sebastian Krogvig unfortunately succumbed to his sickness and did not finish day 1. He will rest and recovery and hopefully rejoin the race in the later stages for fun.
Mood in camp was buoyant, however, nobody was under any illusion of the severity of the TCC. The heat and humidity are one thing, but the fire roads, climbs, technical trails and long stretches of no shade a punishing.
“They say Marathon des Sables is hot, it’s nothing in comparison to this. I was in the ‘notorious’ October MDS that had intense heat, trust me, it’s hotter here!” – Mathieu Blanchard
Climbing out of camp, mountain man Dani Jung was in his element and he lead Mathieu Blanchard and Didrik Hermansen. Peter van der Zon was a way back, it was obvious he was struggling… As he passed he mentioned tight hip flexors.
For the women, Marianne Hogan had a very small lead over Katie Schide. Katie looking strong, the previous night she had questioned if she should withdraw from the race as illness from previous days had returned on stage 1 making for a tough day.
Didrik and Mathieu set a relentless pace, they are very well matched. Running at this pace and in this heat and humidity, victory may well come down to the one who manages effort the best, it’s a fine line.
In the final 10km Mathieu opened a slender lead and Didrik chased. The gap remained and it was another victory for Mathieu.
In the women’s race, Katie opened a gap on Marianne and in the final 7km that gap opened, post-race on the finish line Katie discussed her race:
“I was so happy to recover from yesterday, that was helped by cooler temperatures and a climb to start the day today… I had planned to run with Marianne but on one of the more technical sections I opened up a gap. When I eventually looked around Marianne was not there, I hope she is okay?”
Marianne was okay and finished strong with a smile looking relaxed and at ease. With 4-days to go and a long day tomorrow, there are no guarantees, the men’s and women’s races are still wide-open.
The biggest change of the day was with the 3rd place woman, Paolo Herrera. She ran an incredibly strong and consistent race to finish with a good margin over Tomomi Bitoh, this making the local Costa Rican contingent very happy.
It was an early start (0300) leaving San Jose and heading to the Pacific Coast for the stage 1 of the 2023 The Coastal Challenge starting at Del Rey beach, Quepos.
This year, the shorter Adventure category and the longer Expedition category would run different distances for stage 1. In the past, they have run the same course.
Expedition would run 41km with 1071m vertical gain and the Adventure, 32km.
Getting underway before 0800, the rewards were blessed with cooler’ temperatures for the first hour, however, cooler is all relative when on the coast, it was still hot!
Overnight, Sebastian Krogvig unfortunately had picked up some sickness, although feeling generally okay, it was clear as the stage started he was not 100%. He struggled with any pace, it was a tough day…
For the women, Katie Schide and Marianne Hogan ran together and behind, Tomomi Bitoh followed.
Checkpoint 1 and there was no change, the pace by Didrik and Mathieu was fast.
As the race progressed, Didrik and Mathieu took a wrong turn and lost in the region of 1.5km allowing Peter and Dani to take the lead. They chased, caught them and then once again pushed ahead in 1st and 2nd.
Peter started to struggle in the heat and Dani started to hold on to the duo. However, Mathieu found the energy to break away and take victory on stage one, closely followed by Didrik and Dani.
“Very happy, a hot day. In Canada it was -40, today 40-degrees here, that is a big change…. My body handled the waether today. It’s a big Tropical environment, wonderful trees, amazing bridge and waterfalls.”– Mathieu Blanchard
Tomomi came in securing 3rd place, all smiles. Last year, Tomomi caught Covid one day before the race and had to miss four stages, this year, she is so happy to be back.
Faces told the story at the finish, the heat and the humidity had taken its toll, it always does on stage 1, it’s such a shock to the system without pre-acclimation, something that Marianne and Mathieu had done.
“I heard the sound of animals in the jungle, I turned to Peter and said this is incredible, ‘This is much more atmosphere than UTMB!” – Dani Jung
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
IAN CORLESS 