Volcano ultramarathon set to begin in Costa Rica

For six days, runners will traverse Costa Rica as part of a 200-km ultramarathon.

Volcano Ultramarathon Costa Rica 2019 will take runners through rainforests, up volcanoes and back down by rivers and waterfalls. The race begins April 7 and concludes April 13.

Though the official route map has not been revealed, the ultramarathon will include a 70 km stage from Turrialba Volcano to the Pacuare River. The penultimate race day will feature jungle and volcanoes, and the race will end with a timed stage along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

“Each runner will endure long periods of heat, humidity and solitude,” reads the race pack, which also projects participants will endure temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees. 

And on top of that, runners will be responsible for carrying their own equipment — including food and water.

The main attraction, according to race organizers, is the unique running experience across various ecosystems and the camaraderie of group camping.

“Very varied terrain, from jungles to forests, mountains and beaches; this, added to the harsh climate in itself and self-sufficiency, will make this event epic for each runner,” the race pack reads.

For the non-ultramarathoners among us, Volcano Ultramarathon Costa Rica is also hosting a 39 km race from Guapiles to the Turrialba Volcano on April 10. That run features more than 2,800 meters (about 9,300 feet) of elevation gain.

The April 10 Volcano TrailMarathon will “run parallel” to the fourth ultramarathon stage, and the route has been published.

Race organizers say $10,000 in prizes will be distributed to the top ultramarathon finishers.

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