WET, WILD AND WONDROUS

Costa Rica’s Coastal Challenge will take you to your limits

1) Rocking it

Chema Martinez leads the charge in the stunning Corcovado National Park.

2) H2ohhh…

A runner takes the opportunity to cool off in a waterfall 5km from the end of Stage 1. The heat has taken its toll.

3) Storm damage

The long stretches of beach are scattered with vegetation torn up by Pacific storms.

4) Take it to the bank

Day 1 concludes with a lengthy river crossing to the camp, where some well-earned rest and refuelling await.

5) Water, cooler

Water is your friend. Take every opportunity to lie in it and reduce your core temperature.

6) Heaven’s gate

High atop a hill, the fierce tropical sunlight shines down on the San Rafael cemetery.

1) Incline and fall

Norwegian Sondre Amdahl crosses the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

2) View to a chill

Still life, rainforest-style

3) Bib talk

Race numbers need to be durable enough to survive six days of adventure.

4) Easy riders

Transport options must always be maximised.

5) Scene and herd

Small access roads are the only way to move around the rainforest and livestock is transported by a truck.

6) Tree routes

Hand-painted wooden signs are sporadically placed to guide runners around the dense rainforest.

7) In palms sway

2016 TCC champion (and 2017 third-place female finisher) Ester Alves resists the urge to stop for a dip as she pushes hard for the finish.

8) Take a bow

Spain’s Chema Martinez crosses the estuary that leads into Drake Bay from Playa Violin, across the Sierpe River.

9) Isthmus be the place

The route hugs the palmfringed coastline. Easy on the eye, but tough underfoot.

10) The write stuff

Race vehicles were caked in red dust, but something pure always lay beneath.

11) Pride and joy

Local runners carry the Costa Rican flag on the last day.

12) Finish lines

Kit hangs out to dry after the sweat and toil of a day on the trails have been washed out.

13) Logging off

Job done, shoes off and medal well and truly earned.