Some well-known events in Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica International Marathon
2. El Reto de los Volcanes (Volcanoes Challenge) Bike Race
3. Ruta de los Conquistadores (Route of the Conquistadors) Mountain Bike Race
4. The Coastal Challenge
5. The North Face Trophy Bike

For event links see recommended links ------------------------------------------------>

Costa Rica International Marathon

(Parque La Sabana, San Jose. $20 marathon or half marathon; senior citizens free. 2222-0804 or 8354-6000)
Inaugurated in 1996, the Costa Rica International Marathon was designed to take advantage of San Jose’s hilly and demanding terrain. Covering San Jose’s streets from La Sabana Park west toward the airport, the race winds its way through 26 miles of urban jungle. A half marathon begins at the same time. Racers are grouped by age, skill level and gender. Wheelchair participants are encouraged to enter. The event typically takes place in December.

El Reto de los Volcanes (Volcanoes Challenge) Bike Race
(Central Valley. $750. Registration fee includes most meals and lodging. 2433-6703 or 8343-1708)

Bike five volcanoes in three days – the challenge of a lifetime. Branching out from the Central Valley race base, bikers pedal up Costa Rica’s towering Irazu, Turrialba, Barva, Poas, and Arenal

Ruta de los Conquistadores (Route of the Conquistadors) Mountain Bike Race
The Ruta de los Conquistadores is Costa Rica's largest mountain bike race. Promising more than 240 miles of challenging coast-to-coast trails and alternating terrain, the four-day challenge tests the limits of almost every rider. Known as a stage race, there is a time limit to complete each day’s race leg; those who do not finish may continue on but will not be considered an official finisher. Bikers are divided into five groups: Men’s, Women’s, Master A 30-30, Master B 40-49, and Veterans 50+. The Route of the Conquistadors race is typically held at the end of each year, in October or November.

The Coastal Challenge
(Country-wide. $1,950-$2550; 10% for groups of 4+ registering together. Packages include ground transportation, food, and medical assistance. In the U.S.: 203-353-1608 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-353-1608 end_of_the_skype_highlighting)

The Coastal Challenge is an annual race that sends runners hurtling over Costa Rica’s open plains, forests, and trails. Spanning 125-155 miles and spread out over seven days, it encourages participants to challenge their fears, become one with the landscape, and participate in Costa Rican life. Routes change yearly. In 2010, there are two different races available in January and February: the Rainforest Expedition Run (along the Southern Pacific coast) and the Route of Fire (the North Pacific coast and interior).

The North Face Trophy Bike
(Arenal to Samara. $499 4-day program; $899 8-day program. Packages include lodging, transportation, and food. 2524-2014)

A 125-mile race over Arenal's volcanic terrain, into the cloud forests of Monteverde, and down to the shores of Samara Beach – the North Face Trophy Bike race is the dream route of mountain biking aficionados. The race is divided into three categories – Competitor, Adventurer, and Recreation – and each route is tailored to meet the needs (and limits) of each. The race is known for exquisite scenery, and the adventurer and recreational categories both place aim to provide racers with the best sightseeing opportunities. The Trophy Bike race is held each October.