The Coastal Challenge, The Route of Fire

Location: The remote and dry Northwestern coast and volcanic regions, through inland lakes, windswept highlands, jungle and tropical dry forest. The course is set in Costa Rica's driest area.

Terrain: jungle and rainforest trails, rough and winding dirt roads, farm roads and some asphalt; mountain trail and some single track across ridgelines, passes and highlands; beaches and rocky outcroppings or reefs, dry tropical forest and rainforest, open lands including river/water crossings and more...

Stages  will vary from 25 k to 60 k in length but if possible we attempt to stagger the distances and difficulty so hard days are separated by shorter, relatively easier day in the middle of the week. For this year, the "recovery days" may be toward the end of the week.

Links-

http://www.tccadventures.com/

http://www.thecoastalchallenge.com/

Videos-

TCC Adventures Channel/Things Impossible Video

Route of Fire official Video: 

Rainforest Run official Video: 

NEW FOR 2012:

All Tents provided. Groups assigned:4 people to six person tent. Teams will be kept together. Couples will also be kept together. If you really want to camp alone or as a couple you may bring your own and set it up.

Adventure Run Distance: We will be shortening the distance for the adventure run category to approximately 1/2 of the full expedition length. Those selecting the Adventure Run will now be covering approximately 125 kilometers of the entire route. Previously had been approximately 2/3 rd of route or 150k

Course Changes and Improvements: We will be making some minor changes to the route to keep us along the Carribean side of Miravalles Volcano for 2012. This means 1-2 more days in cloud forest and rainforest and less time in the dry areas to the north.

Alumni Discounts:  Discounts extended to participants returning from 2011 and to any "Official Finishers" of Route of Fire who bring a team of "new bloods"  to the event!  email us at info@thecoastalchallenge.com for more information. 

Early Registration through April. Register  in April and receive an awesome DVD  and the most snazzy TCC Adventures running visor by Headsweats. 

Relay (For Teams of two) - Your team mate will do 3 stages and you will do 3 stages as part of your race strategy.

FAQ's

Q: Who should consider The Coastal Challenge?

A: Any runner who wants to challenge themselves on many levels and experience the thrill and satisfaction of pushing themselves further than they ever thought possible. If you appreciate the camaraderie that naturally develops when a diverse group of individuals share in that kind of experience together then you’ll appreciate this event.  We have had runners from all ages, backgrounds and running ability compete in and complete The Coastal Challenge.

Q: I’ve only done one marathon. Can I possibly complete this race?

A: Yes, it is mostly a matter of having desire, determination and embracing the unknowns of an adventure. You should also be making every effort to condition your body and your feet to be attempting the distance, even at a brisk jog/walk. Otherwise, while you’re on course it will really help to have a high threshold for discomfort, pain, temporary self-loathing and constant inner-dialogue… “So, why am I doing this again?” 

Q: Is the route marked? Can I possibly get lost?

A: The course will be marked and critical decision points will be staffed. But there may be times where not paying attention at a turn off may result in getting off route. We also mark the route for a good distance just after a turn so if after a split in the trail you don’t see flagging tape or painted marking then you may have to backtrack. When there is no course marking or tape the trail is usually very intuitive. We mark off each runner as they step up to the race start each day and mark them off again when they cross the finish line. We also have staff sweep the course each day.

Q: Can someone join me who does not like to race those distances.?

A: Yes, they can register as a guest and join you at camp each day and enjoy their own Costa Rican adventure on our Adventure Tours. It's a great way to enjoy some of the wild and remote areas of Costa Rica that the race passes through. Our guests always enjoy their days in Costa Rica. As for our competing runners... well that all depends on the day ;)

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancel within 30 days for full refund of deposit or registration fees. No refunds or roll overs after 30 days.