The Coastal Challenge Registration For Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2008

THE COASTAL CHALLENGE OPENS REGISTRATION FOR JAN. 27 – FEB. 2, 2008,
4th EXPEDITION RUN IN COSTA RICA

TRUMBULL , CONN. — The Coastal Challenge, the World’s Expedition Runâ„¢, 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 http://thecoastalchallenge.com/. People can also register 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.”

**REGISTRATION CAPPED AT 100 RUNNERS**

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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