The Coastal Challenge Opens Registration For Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2008,
Expedition Run In Costa Rica
Fourth Edition of The World’ Expedition Run Returns with a Renewed Emphasis
On Adventure and Team Running
**REGISTRATION CAPPED AT 100 RUNNERS**
TRUMBULL , CONN. — The Coastal Challenge, the World’s Expedition Run, has
officially opened registration for its fourth running, which is scheduled
for January 27 to February 2, 2008. The event returns to the wild
northwestern region of Costa Rica with a renewed emphasis on adventure and
team running. Registration will be capped this year at 100 runners.
“This coming year will have more trails and it will be harder than ever,”
said Course Designer Rodrigo Carazo. “People who will enjoy this course are
the people who look to go beyond their limits and explore something new —
within the world and within themselves.”
The race, called the Route of Fire as much for the volcanic region from
which it starts as the heated competition, will once again follow a
northwestern route from Costa Rica’s volcanic region near Arenal Volcano to
the Pacific Ocean at Bahia Salinas. The event continues to offer four unique
and exciting categories of participation:
* Team Expedition Run: runners are encouraged to sign up in teams of
three to six, with discounts provided to teams of four or more.
* Solo Expedition Run: the full 200+ kilometer Expedition Run.
* Solo Adventure Run: a shortened, yet extremely challenging 125
kilometer route.
* Guest Adventure Tours: daily adventure tours like river rafting,
nature hikes and more available to guests of the runners.
As a result of the increase in off-road running and emphasis on “adventure,”
competitors will be forced to be more self-sufficient — carrying
predetermined and race regulated amounts of water and depending less on aid
stations along the course. Runners have been required to carry water in the
past, but new rules could include additional mandatory gear and will be
strictly enforced for the runners’ own safety. Less experienced runners are
also encouraged to sign up with a team or identify a running “buddy” at race
registration.
Runners can find more information about the event, including an updated
Photo Gallery, 2008 Introduction and FAQ, and register online at
online at www.active.com
“As The Coastal Challenge continues to evolve we are committed to our
primary mission — to seek out adventure and create a life enriching
expedition for an intimate group of like-minded runners,” said Race Director
Tim Holmstrom. “This year our focus is on adventure and team involvement.
Our competitors have told us time and again that the camaraderie and rugged
adventure are what make this event special and the reason they keep coming
back. And that’s what people should expect from The Coastal Challenge in
2008.”
The Coastal Challenge, as in previous years, considered a wealth of runner
feedback when deciding on this year’s route. The Route of Fire, which
culminated the 3-year strategy of spanning Costa Rica’s entire west coast,
will start the new 3-year cycle all over again in reverse. Much of the
runner feedback came from a recent survey that showed that 90 percent of the
competitors rated the event as “excellent” or “good,” the two highest marks
on a 5 point scale. Other highlights were the relationships built among
runners and requests for “more trails,” which are two points the 2008 race
will focus on heavily.
Jim Mandelli, a veteran Coastal Challenge runner from Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, and new member of the event’s Advisory Board, has also
supplied the event with constructive feedback that will result in upgrades.
“This is a safe, fun and extremely challenging course,” Mandelli said.
“Runners will encounter tremendous changes from elevation to climate, from
mountains and jungle to blustery dry plains and beaches. I’m excited to be a
part of the event and its evolution.”
About The Coastal Challenge
Set on Costa Rica’s Northwest Coast, The 2008 Coastal Challenge is the
“World’s Expedition Run,” releasing runners over approximately 200
kilometers of exotic and wild Costa Rican mountainous regions and rugged
coastline. For six days, runners embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery
and camaraderie within a long distance running competition while navigating
volcanic regions, wide river crossings, rainforests, jungles, windswept
highlands, beaches, and rock outcroppings. It is an expedition run of epic
proportions introducing competitors to the hospitality of the local Tico
culture while pushing the limits of their will and endurance. For more
information visit www.thecoastalchallenge.com
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