- Email address verified
- Email address verified
About this trip
The Coastal Challenge is one of the world’s most inspiring and grueling multi-stage races.
Running 240km in six stages, this race has tested the mental toughness, will and endurance of some of the best ultra trail runners of the world as well as runners from all walks of life who have toed the line each year.
- February: Sunday 8th to Friday 13th, 2026
- Official registration & reception for competitors in San José: February, Saturday 7th
- Race start: February, Sunday 8th
- Race finish: February, Friday 13th. Transport back to San Jose, Saturday 14th.
- Race length: 6 days
- Distance: Expedition Run 240km | Adventure Run 145km
- Event finish: February, Saturday 15th
The Coastal Challenge
What’s included
- Official Event ShirtOfficial Event Shirt
- TentIndividual or double Tent options will be provided during race
- Transfer to the StartTransportation from Host Hotel in San Jose to the race start
- Transfer back to SJTransportation from the last camp in Drake Bay to the Host Hotel in San Jose
- Medical AssistanceMedical Assistance – qualified U.S. and Costa Rican Medical Doctors, EMTs, and oncall Medical Helicopters
- All meals at the campsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day during the race prepared by Food Nutritionist and Catering Staff
- Aid StantionsAid Stations (Fresh Fruit and Bottled Water, Electrolyte Drink, Sodas)
- Race support
- All CampsitesEvening Campsite Locations, with water, showers and restrooms
- Finishers medalFinishers medal and podium prizes
- Party and Awards DinnerParty and Awards Dinner and ceremony
- Course fully markCourse fully marked, with access to the GPS
- Route BookRace route book with all the details and itineraries
- New friends and more! !New friends and many new memories to take back home!
What’s not included
- Insurance
- Cups freeBring your own cuttery
Available Packages
Expedition Category – The Ultimate Endurance Challenge
The Expedition Category is the premier experience of The Coastal Challenge, designed for athletes who want to test their endurance, resilience, and strategic racing ability across six grueling stages. Covering approximately 230 km, this category pushes runners to their limits through intense elevation gains, technical trails, river crossings, and rugged coastal terrain in the heart of Costa Rica’s wild landscapes.
Participants in the Expedition Category must be prepared for longer daily distances, extreme heat and humidity, and physically demanding conditions. While support is available at checkpoints, runners must manage their pacing, hydration, and nutrition to successfully complete each stage.
This category attracts elite trail runners, ultra-endurance athletes, and adventure seekers looking for a world-class challenge in one of the most stunning environments on the planet. If you're ready to push beyond boundaries and immerse yourself in an unforgettable test of grit and perseverance, the Expedition Category is for you.
Stage Breakdown
STAGE 1: Quepos - Río Savegre
📏 Distance: 33.5 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 850 m
STAGE 2: Río Savegre - Dominical
📏 Distance: 41.3 km / 17.4 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,740 m / 305 m
STAGE 3: Dominical – Marino Ballena
📏 Distance: 50.5 km / 18 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,735 m / 194 m
STAGE 4: Playa Ventanas - Palmar Sur (Río Sierpe)
📏 Distance: 37.4 km / 14.5 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 2,083 m / 639 m
STAGE 5: Río Sierpe - Bahía Drake
📏 Distance: 42 km / 25.9 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 47.8 km / 28.8 km
STAGE 6: Bahía Drake (Circuit Loop)
📏 Distance: 36.7 km / 36.4 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 450 m / 450 m
Do you have what it takes to conquer the Expedition?
Adventure Category – A Challenging but Accessible Experience
The Adventure Category is perfect for trail runners and endurance athletes who want to experience the thrill of The Coastal Challenge with shorter daily distances while still facing the breathtaking landscapes and challenges of Costa Rica’s rugged terrain.
Covering approximately 155 km over six days, this category follows the same stunning route as the Expedition Category but with reduced distances. Runners will tackle tropical jungles, river crossings, mountain trails, and pristine beaches while managing the heat, humidity, and technical sections of the course.
The Adventure Category is ideal for those looking for a less extreme but still demanding challenge. Whether you're an experienced runner looking for a more manageable stage race or an athlete stepping into multi-day racing for the first time, this is your opportunity to take on one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting trail running experiences.
Stage Breakdown
STAGE 1: Quepos - Río Savegre
📏 Distance: 33.5 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 850 m
STAGE 2: Río Savegre - Dominical
📏 Distance: 17.4 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 305 m
STAGE 3: Dominical – Marino Ballena
📏 Distance: 18 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 194 m
STAGE 4: Playa Ventanas - Palmar Sur (Río Sierpe)
📏 Distance: 14.5 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 639 m
STAGE 5: Río Sierpe - Bahía Drake
📏 Distance: 25.9 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 28.8 km
STAGE 6: Bahía Drake (Circuit Loop)
📏 Distance: 36.4 km
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 450 m
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
The Coastal Challenge 2026 – Companion Package
Not racing but want to experience the adventure? Our Companion Package is designed for friends, family, and supporters who want to be part of The Coastal Challenge without running the race. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and the thrill of the event while staying comfortable and immersed in the action.
What’s Included?
✅ Accommodations: Stay in the same hotels and camps as the racers, ensuring you're always close to the action.
✅ Meals: Enjoy full-board meals throughout the event.
✅ Daily Transfers: Travel with our support teams to key race locations and experience the breathtaking race environment firsthand.
✅ Exclusive Activities: Explore Costa Rica with guided tours, beach visits, and adventure excursions while the racers take on the challenge.
✅ Finish Line Experience: Be there to celebrate your runner’s achievement and enjoy the post-race festivities.
Pricing:
-
Adult Companion: $2,250
-
Child Under 12: $1,635
Join us and make The Coastal Challenge an unforgettable experience—whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines!
Itinerary
The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica is the ultimate multi-stage trail running adventure, designed for endurance athletes who crave a raw and untamed experience. Over six grueling days, participants tackle a stunning yet punishing course through Costa Rica’s most breathtaking landscapes—coastal jungles, river crossings, mountain ridges, and pristine beaches.
With limited spots available, this is more than just a race—it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and mental toughness. Runners must navigate steep ascents, technical descents, and humid tropical conditions, all while immersed in the country’s unparalleled biodiversity. Whether you’re an elite competitor or an adventure-seeking trail runner, The Coastal Challenge offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push your limits in one of the most spectacular settings on Earth.
Are you ready to take on the challenge?
WWW.THECOASTALCHALLENGECOSTARICA.COM